Big Penalties For Houston Astros In Cheating Scandal

CBS Sports reports:



Major League Baseball issued harsh penalties against the Houston Astros on Monday after a lengthy investigation into the team’s use of technology to steal signs. The sanctions include one-year suspensions for Astros manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow [photo] as well as a $5 million fine and the loss of future draft picks.

In a bombshell report published by The Athletic in November, right-hander Mike Fiers, who pitched for the Astros in 2017, gave an on-the-record account of how team used a center-field camera to pick up the opposing team’s catcher’s signs and then relayed the signs to Astros batters.

The relay method used to alert hitters of an incoming off-speed pitch supposedly involved banging a trashcan in the dugout. It’s expected that the Boston Red Sox will also face severe punishment for their alleged use of cameras to steal signs during their 2018 championship season.