Skip to content

Plouffe becomes latest ex-MLBer to implicate Astros in sign-stealing

Icon Sportswire / Getty

As the investigation into the Houston Astros' sign-stealing continues and broadens, a former major-leaguer believes he can provide some details of how the scheme operated.

Trevor Plouffe, a nine-year veteran who last played in 2018, explained that the Astros used a live feed to capture the opposing catcher's signals to the pitcher, then used technology to relay that information to the bullpen catcher, who would then indicate whether the pitch was a fastball or offspeed by putting his hands up on the fence or keeping them down. Plouffe's information came courtesy of big-league pitcher Carson Smith as well as an unnamed source.

On Thursday, Major League Baseball broadened the investigation - which originated as a probe into the 2017 Astros squad - to include Houston's 2019 club, as well as other teams.

Plouffe is the latest player to speak out regarding the sign-stealing controversy. Active right-handed pitcher Mike Fiers previously said that the 2017 team, which he was a part of, illegally used surveillance.

MLB has not yet made a ruling and no penalties have been filed against the Astros.

Plouffe spent seven years as a member of the Minnesota Twins and made brief appearances with the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox