Red Sox announcer jokes about Astros’ sign-stealing; benches clear

The recent altercation between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox was sparked by suspicions of sign-stealing.

Astros reliever Hector Neris intentionally balked to move a runner to third base, leading to a confrontation with Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson and ultimately a scuffle between the two teams.

After exchanging words with Hudson and yelling towards the Red Sox dugout, Neris prompted both teams, including the bullpens, to clear the benches before order was restored.

When asked if he believed the Red Sox were stealing signs, Neris responded with uncertainty, saying, “Maybe. Maybe yes, maybe no.”

Former Red Sox player turned announcer Will Middlebrooks found it ironic that the Astros were upset about sign-stealing, given their history of the infamous sign-stealing scandal involving trash can banging.

The Astros’ sign-stealing scandal in 2017 involved using technology to decode signs, ultimately leading to their World Series victory that year. Middlebrooks pointed out that sign-stealing has always been a part of the game, especially when players can spot the grip in a pitcher’s glove.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris is restrained by first baseman Christian Walker on Aug. 2, 2025. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Ironically, the Red Sox themselves faced accusations of sign-stealing in 2018, although the extent of their actions was deemed less impactful than the Astros’ scandal the year prior. Former Astros bench coach Alex Cora, who later managed the Red Sox, was implicated in the scandal and served a suspension in 2020 before returning to the team.

Home plate umpire Gerry Davis and Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker hold back Astros pitcher Hector Neris during the Red Sox game, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

The Red Sox emerged victorious with a 7-3 win in the game.