The Houston Astros seem to be defending more than just their World Series title.
The champions are under scrutiny since the time Cleveland filed a complaint to Major League Baseball about a man associated with Houston who was attempting to film in the Indians’ dugout last week during Game 3 of the AL Division Series.
During the Astros’ series-clinching win on the 8th of October at the Progressive Field in Cleveland, a man with a cellphone standing by the photographer’s pit was removed many times by security personnel, a person very familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. According to the person, the man’s credential was requested by Houston. Because of the sensitivity of the matter, the man spoke on condition of anonymity.
MLB also said that it is aware of a report by the Metro Boston that a man claiming to be an Astros employee was removed from a credentialed area near the Boston Red Sox dugout while the AL Championship Series opener was in play at the Fenway Park. The Red Sox dropped the series opener, though they have won the past two to take a 2-1 lead.
In a statement, MLB said regarding the matter that it will be handled internally and offered no other details.
Though it is yet to be proven if the Astros were doing anything illegal, the two incidents have raised quite a few questions about the use of electronic equipment during games and whether Houston has been cheating.
According to the Metro report, which cited multiple security sources who were present on the scene, a man was asked to move away during the third inning of Game 1 on Saturday night at the Fenway Park. However, he was allowed to stay in the ballpark after another Astros staffer intervened. The report said the man had a very small camera and he was texting frequently. He did not have media credentials.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Houston manager AJ Hinch both said after Boston’s 8-2 win on Tuesday night in Houston that they did hear about the alleged incident.
Hinch said that he was aware of something going on, but he hasn’t yet been briefed and he was only worried about the game.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora Cora said he has been concerned throughout the season about Red Sox signs being stolen.
Well, this isn’t the first time the Astros have been suspected of cheating.
