Brawl in Boston: Neris (Astros) Unleashes Chaos After Intentional Balk

In a tense encounter between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox, Astros reliever Héctor Neris was involved in an incident that ignited tempers on the field. It all started when Neris, after allowing a double by Trevor Story in the seventh inning, committed a balk that advanced Story to third base. The situation quickly escalated when Neris exchanged words with the Red Sox’s third base coach, Kyle Hudson, causing both teams, including the bullpens, to approach the field. The incident occurred after the Astros’ 7-3 defeat.

Maybe. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Héctor Neris

When asked if he suspected the Red Sox were stealing signs, Neris responded cautiously, leaving the possibility open. The pitcher explained that at that moment he wanted to focus and act on his instincts. Neris, 36 years old, preferred not to reveal the details of her conversation with Hudson, downplaying the matter. Astros manager Joe Espada admitted he was unaware of what happened, promising to ask Neris for more information.

The Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, deflected questions about the incident and the possible suspicion of sign stealing from Neris. It is important to note that, although pitch calls in Major League Baseball are transmitted electronically via PitchCom, runners on second base can identify the type of pitch by observing the pitcher’s grip. In addition, they can assist the batter by indicating the location of the pitch. The Astros were sanctioned by MLB after it was discovered that they used electronic devices to steal signs during their path to the 2017 World Series title and in the 2018 season. Alex Cora, who was Houston’s bench coach in 2017, left Boston in January 2020 after the sign-stealing scandal, and was rehired as Red Sox manager in November 2020 after serving a one-season suspension imposed by MLB.