Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke said he didn't tell Oakland Athletics hitter Ramon Laureano what pitch was coming before he hit a three-run home run in Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Thursday - despite what it may have looked like.
Greinke was seen flashing a two towards the plate in the second inning moments before Laureano launched a slider into left-center field to give the A's an early lead.
Ramón didn't need a trash can because Greinke threw up the ✌️ before this pitch pic.twitter.com/60LunVwpQF
— The Rickey Henderson of Blogs (@RickeyBlog) October 8, 2020
Houston's veteran hurler explained he was instead telling catcher Martin Maldonado which set of signs to use with a runner on second base.
''That's just what I've been doing this year for the most part. I just switched the pitch so it doesn't waste time,'' Greinke said after the Astros defeated the A's 11-6 to advance to the ALCS, according to Joe Reedy of The Associated Press.
Even if Greinke had intentionally flashed a sign, Laureano - who hit two homers off the righty during his team's loss - said he wouldn't have seen it.
''No, I don't look at him when I hit. I just look at the grass,'' he said. ''Whenever he's ready, I just look at him.''
This isn't the first time Greinke has appeared to give away signs or sequences.
He did something similar against the San Francisco Giants in August.
Zack Greinke: Calling out the signs. 😂
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 13, 2020
Legend. pic.twitter.com/TNws9niKXF
Zack Greinke, Calling his own pitch/Filthy Slider. pic.twitter.com/CzCyQ48H6T
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 13, 2020
