Why MLB cleared Astros of wrongdoing in alleged sign-stealing in ALCS against Yankees

SNY's Andy Martino reported a whistling sound was heard by Yanks in Game 1

10/17/2019, 5:10 PM
Oct 15, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; The Houston Astros wait for a replay during the eighth inning in game three of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Deutsch
Oct 15, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; The Houston Astros wait for a replay during the eighth inning in game three of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Deutsch

It was reported by SNY's Andy Martino that the Yankees were not happy with a whistling sound that came from the Astros' dugout that was believed to be sign stealing. 

After an investigation, though, the MLB found no violations.

Martino confirmed that the MLB investigated the situation and found no wrong doing on the Astros' front. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the investigation taking place.

It is not legal for teams to whistle or gesture from the dugout to make tip hitters off at the plate. But the Astros are in the clear after MLB officials in the camera well in Game 1 and in the back of the dugout in Game 2 didn't find Houston to break the rules in any sort. 

The initial complaint, according to Martino's sources, came during Game 1 of the ALCS when a Yankees third base coach Phil Nevin heard the whistling sound. The Yankees proceeded to yell across the field with both teams arguing. 

"The whole dugout was pissed," said one source. "Everyone was chirping."

One MLB executive even went as far to say that the Astros have "been doing it for years" in reference to the whistling. 

The Yankees still went on to win Game 1, 7-0, as Masahiro Tanaka didn't seem to be affected by the alleged sign stealing. In Game 2, the whistling sound wasn't heard, but James Paxton was seen constantly switching his signs with Gary Sanchez


MARTINO: Sources - Yankees dugout erupts over Astros' alleged sign stealing >> Read More 

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