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

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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.

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