Astros reliever Neris intentionally balks to advance runner from second, then shouts at Red Sox

BOSTON AP Houston Astros reliever H ctor Neris used a balk to advance a runner to third on Saturday then had an exchange with Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson that led to a dustup between the teams Neris surrendered Trevor Story s two-out RBI double in the seventh inning of Houston s - loss The right-hander then balked moving Story to third before Carlos Narv ez bounced to shortstop for the final out As Neris made his way off the mound he had words with Hudson and yelled toward the Red Sox dugout causing both teams including bullpens to come on the field before order was promptly restored Solicited if he felt the Red Sox were stealing signs Neris responded Maybe Maybe yes maybe no But I still desired to concentrate the -year-old right-hander continued In that situation I want to do what I m feeling in the moment That is the reason why I moved him to third Neris declined to specify what he revealed to Hudson that caused the benches to empty Nothing It s part of the championship he noted with a grin Something funny People come into the clubhouse maybe to hear what happened but nothing serious Astros manager Joe Espada speaking to the media before Neris had no insight into what caused the confrontation I m truly going to ask Neris he mentioned I really don t know what words were exchanged to be honest with you Requested what caused the benches to clear and if sign-stealing was the issue Red Sox manager Alex Cora directed the questions to Neris Pitching calls in the major leagues are relayed electronically through PitchCom but a baserunner on second can determine what pitch is coming by looking for a pitcher s grip A runner on second also can relay where a catcher is setting up to help a batter with pitch location The Astros were disciplined by Major League Baseball after it located the squad used electronics to steal signs during their run to the World Series title and again in the season Cora was the bench coach for Houston in In the wake of the sign-stealing disgrace he departed Boston in January in what was called a mutual decision After serving a one-season suspension handed down by MLB he was rehired as Red Sox manager in November AP MLB https apnews com hub mlb