Jose Altuve

It took all of 72 hours for another Astros-centric controversy to bubble up on social media, as allegations that Houston players wore electronic “buzzers” inside their shirts during the 2019 season surfaced Thursday. However, Major League Baseball issued a statement to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez indicating that the just-completed investigation of the Houston organization included a probe into the potential of utilization of wearable devices during the 2019 season but found “no evidence” that could substantiate any such claim.

The origin point of the latest controversy includes an anonymous Twitter account that previously claimed to be Carlos Beltran’s niece, although the Beltran family has denied the legitimacy of that user’s identity (and there’s little reason to think that Beltran, a 2019 Yankees employee, would have knowledge of a new Astros scheme anyhow). The Twitter account has since been deactivated.

Right-hander Trevor Bauer threw some fuel on the flame when he tweeted that he’s heard similar permutations of the rumor “from multiple parties.” Video of Jose Altuve imploring his teammates not to tear his shirt off before jumping onto home plate following his ALCS Game 6 walk-off home run only further drove speculation. That escalating level of speculation prompted Altuve’s agent, Scott Boras, to issue the following statement on behalf of his client to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman:

When this came up today, Jose Altuve immediately contacted me and this is his statement: ‘I have never worn an electronic device in my performance as a major league player.’ … [Altuve] has never been involved in any information with the use of an electronic device that is triggered during the course of the game. Fans need to keep in mind that there are a lot of players who are in the spider web, but they are not the black widow just because they are a member of the team or the league.

The latest wave of claims comes without the benefit of the quality reporting that brought the initial scandal to light. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal broke the initial story open back in November with a report that included on-record confirmation from former Astros right-hander Mike Fiers. This latest controversy is more speculation-driven, although Bauer’s comments at least create some intrigue. Certainly, one would imagine that the emergence of new evidence could lead to further exploration from the league, but at this juncture there’s no indication this situation has even approached that point.

The emergence of the new “controversy” only underscores the importance of Fiers’ willingness to speak on-record. Many who are rightly angry with the Astros are quick to latch onto new allegations in hopes that additional punishment will be levied, but outside of Bauer’s comment, which stopped well short of an allegation, the “buzzer” controversy is predicated on unvetted, anonymous hearsay. That’s not to rule out the possibility of additional wrongdoing, of course, but a since-deleted Twitter account and subsequent conjecture is far from a smoking gun. Until someone follows Fiers’ lead and puts their name on something concrete — or at the very least until a credible reporter finds someone (or multiple persons) of import who is willing to speak on the condition of anonymity — there’s little sense in accepting wholly anonymous accusations as fact.

Injured Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is dealing with fatigue and soreness in his right leg, though it doesn’t appear to be a major issue. The Astros received “encouraging” news after evaluating Altuve on Tuesday, according to manager A.J. Hinch. However, Altuve’s going to need time to “strengthen his lower half,” per Hinch. Altuve added he hopes to return to the diamond “pretty soon” (Twitter links via Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle).

The 29-year-old Altuve has been on the 10-day IL since May 11 because of a problem with his other leg – a left hamstring strain – but looked as if he’d be able to return by Wednesday before this setback occurred. Now, though, it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to come back. Altuve underwent surgery on his right knee last October. Between that and Altuve’s importance to the Astros, who signed the six-time All-Star to a five-year, $151MM extension in March 2018, they’re inclined to take a cautious approach in this situation.

Even with Altuve and George Springer on the IL (and the banged-up Carlos Correa out Monday), the loaded Astros have continued to roll over their competition. They beat the Cubs on Monday to move to 13-4 since Altuve went down. Houston now boasts an elite 37-19 record and a seven-game lead over white-hot Oakland in the AL West.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, on the injured list since May 11, will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle relays. The Astros are “hoping” to get Altuve back by Wednesday, their last contest before a seven-game road trip, general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

Altuve has missed the Astros’ past 13 games because of a left hamstring strain, making this just the second IL trip since his glorious career began in 2011. Although Altuve has been a linchpin in Houston throughout his big league tenure, the club has rolled to a 10-3 record without him to gain an even greater stranglehold on the American League West. Their success has come thanks in part to second base reserve Aledmys Diaz, who has enjoyed a well-timed hot streak in Altuve’s absence.

While Diaz has filled in with aplomb for Altuve, the latter’s return will make the juggernaut Astros that much stronger. The 29-year-old Altuve wasn’t as excellent as usual prior to landing on the shelf, but he still hit a respectable .243/.329/.472 (117 wRC+) with nine home runs and 18 walks against 25 strikeouts in 164 trips to the plate. A .234 batting average on balls in play, down 108 points from Altuve’s career mark (.338), has helped drag down the six-time All-Star’s numbers thus far.