Astros cheating probe will span three seasons

ARLINGTON, TEXAS— Major League Baseball has widened its investigation of alleged sign stealing by the Houston Astros and will probe activity by the team over the past three seasons.

After the conclusion of owners meetings Thursday, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said MLB will “investigate the Astros situation as thoroughly as humanly possible.” The probe includes the team’s firing of assistant general manager Brandon Taubman during the World Series for clubhouse comments directed at female reporters, behaviour the club at first accused Sports Illustrated of fabricating.

“That investigation is going to encompass not only what we know about ’17, but also ’18 and ’19,” Manfred said. “To the extent we are talking to people all over the industry, former employees, competitors, whatever, to the extent that we find other leads, we’re going to follow these leads.

“I think that there’s wide support across the industry for the idea that when we have a problem in this area, there should be firm, serious disciplinary action that discourages people from engaging in this type of behaviour,” he added. In other issues: Owners supported Manfred in a proposal to require a three-batter minimum for pitchers, a rule MLB has the right to change for 2021 even without the union’s agreement.

John Sherman was approved as the new controlling owner of the Kansas City Royals, and his group plans to close its estimated $1-billion (U.S.) deal to purchase the last-place team from David Glass and his family next week.