Dodgers Star Max Muncy Responds to Astros Cheating Accusations
The Dodgers-Astros rivalry still carries the sting of the 2017 World Series scandal, and after a brutal sweep this week, old wounds are reopening. But this time, one Dodgers star isn’t fanning the flames, he’s putting them out.
In their latest matchup, the Houston Astros dominated the Dodgers, outscoring them 29-6 over three games. The sweep raised eyebrows especially after former Dodgers pitcher and current broadcaster Orel Hershiser suggested the Astros might have known what pitches were coming.
“They’re swinging at these breaking balls like they know what’s coming,” he said on air.
Max Muncy: “That’s on us”
In a surprising twist, Max Muncy isn’t accusing Houston of cheating. Speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, the sidelined Dodgers slugger said, “Do I think they knew what was coming? Yes. Do I think they were cheating? No.”
According to Muncy, the Astros likely picked up on a pitching tip from Dodgers rookie Ben Casparius, not from illegal sign stealing. “Good teams are going to do that… That’s not cheating. That’s part of the game,” he added.
Back in 2017, the Astros were caught using cameras and banging trash cans to alert batters to incoming pitches. The fallout rocked the league and cast a shadow over Houston’s World Series title.
That scandal ultimately led to PitchCom, a digital solution introduced in 2022. The encrypted system allows catchers to send signals directly to pitchers via a small wireless device removing the risk of signs being stolen visually.
Innovation Born From Controversy
PitchCom has become a staple in MLB and even college baseball, offering peace of mind to teams haunted by past scandals. The Astros may still draw suspicion from fans, but in this case, Muncy’s take highlights a distinction between unfair play and sharp baseball instincts.
What do you think are the Astros still under suspicion, or was this just good scouting?
