MLB Spokesperson Gives Clarification On Red Sox’s iPad Drama

An MLB spokesperson shared a clarification on in-dugout iPad usage following a viral moment from Saturday’s Boston Red Sox game.

The Red Sox fell 5-4 to the San Diego Padres in 10 innings on Saturday. They sent the game into extras when Roman Anthony hit a game-tying double off Padres closer Robert Suárez.

The broadcast caught a glimpse of an iPad in Boston’s dugout showing side-by-side photos of Suárez. The pictures are labeled “FB and “CH,” appearing to indicate the pitcher’s different body tendencies before throwing a fastball and changeup.

On Sunday, an MLB spokesperson confirmed to MLB reporter Kyle Glaser that teams are permitted to use league-issued tablets accordingly.

“Clubs are able to add their own advanced scouting materials to the dugout iPads that are registered with us,” the spokesperson told Glaser.

MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported earlier this week that three recent opponents (Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros) believe the Red Sox detected their signals. None of them accused Boston of any illegal activity, as there are no rules against picking up signs through pitch-tipping.

One Red Sox representative responded: “Good!” to the notion that they’re “in the head” of paranoid opponents.

“Such practices are shrugged off as part of the game, but those practicing such dark arts frequently earn the ire of opponents,” McAdam wrote. “(Alex) Cora is a known master of the practice, having learned how to detect the smallest details while spending a good chunk of his playing career in the dugout, quietly observing. Bench coach and Cora confidante Ramon Vazquez is another who has the same reputation.”

The Padres and future opponents may be more careful about guarding their signs and tendencies when facing the Red Sox.