MLB proposes ban on player access to in-game video

Major League Baseball has proposed banning player access to video during games, according to New York Yankees pitcher Zack Britton, but the union wants to allow it with protections that would prevent catchers’ signs from being visible.

Players’ association head Tony Clark met with the Yankees for three hours Wednesday and discussed negotiations for new video rules in the wake of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

“Right now, MLB’s proposal would be like a blackout. There would be no access,” Britton said. “That’s a pretty extreme stance because of one team, that everyone else is punished. So, hopefully, we can find some common ground, but definitely before opening day. Guys would like to understand what we’re going to be allowed to use and what we’re not going to be allowed to use before opening day.”

Houston violated rules by using a camera in the outfield to steal catchers’ signs during its run to the 2017 World Series title and again in 2018. The team was fined $5 million, manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one season and the team was stripped of draft picks. Hinch and Luhnow were fired by the team, but no players were disciplined.

MLB also is investigating whether Boston broke rules.

Under the union’s proposal, hitters would still be allowed to review video of their at-bats during games and pitchers would be allowed to look over their mound performance.

“The view that the players have is one that is concerned about where the game is and where it’s going. So everything that we’ve slid across the table in regards to proposals on technology has been a reflection of that,” Clark said. “And what we’ve slid across includes access to technology, certain technology during the course of the game. There’s systems that allow for access to your at-bats, and/or your time on the mound.” REDS’ BAUER WAS JUST HAVING FUN >> Trevor Bauer thinks his decision to tip pitches for a Dodgers batter during a spring training game and the resulting attention are good for baseball.

The Cincinnati Reds’ outspoken starter signaled pitches to the Dodgers’ Matt Beaty during a game on Monday. Bauer flicked his glove toward the catcher before each pitch — a sign a fastball was coming — and Beaty eventually lined out to center field.

Bauer has criticized the Astros over their signstealing. Bauer told reporters on Wednesday he was just having fun, and the pitch tipping wasn’t intended to help the team that lost to the Astros in the World Series.

“It wasn’t team-specific,” Bauer said. “I did it a couple times last season in games. There are a lot of interesting outcomes from it, psychologically and competitively. Spring training is time to work on things.”

AROUND THE BASES >> Diamondbacks ace Madison Bumgarner made his second start of spring training, facing the Indians. He gave up four runs on four hits with two strikeouts and a walk in 2 2/3 innings. One of the hits was Cleveland star Francisco Lindor’s three-run home run in the top of the third. The Indians won 6-2 . ... Bryce Harper hit his first two home runs, both two-run drives, as a Phillies split squad beat a Pirates split squad 9-7.