Astros’ Hinch, GM Banned For Season For Sign-Stealing
Jan 13, 2020, 12:46 PM
AJ Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros looks on during batting practice prior to Game Seven of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Houston manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for the entire season Monday and the team was fined $5 million for sign-stealing by the team in 2017 and 2018 season.
Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the discipline and strongly hinted that current Boston manager Alex Cora — the Astros bench coach in 2017 — will face punishment later. Manfred said Cora developed the sign-stealing system used by the Astros.
Houston also will forfeit its next two first- and second-round draft picks.
Breaking: Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch have been suspended for one year.
An MLB investigation found the team used technology to cheat during its World Series-winning 2017 season, sources familiar with the punishment tell @JeffPassan. pic.twitter.com/waSkuTaoMO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 13, 2020
Manfred said Hinch was aware of the system but did not bring it to the attention of Luhnow. The GM told Major League Baseball he was unaware of the system but Manfred held him accountable for the team’s actions. Manfred also said owner Jim Crane was not aware.
