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MLB Suspensions Lead To Firing Of Astros AJ Hinch & Jeff Luhnow

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros fire manager AJ Hinch, general manager Jeff Luhnow after MLB suspensions for sign stealing.

 

World Series - Washington Nationals v Houston Astros - Game Seven
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: AJ Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros looks on during batting practice prior to Game Seven of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

 

League Championship Series - Boston Red Sox v Houston Astros - Game Four
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jeff Luhnow addresses the media prior to the Game Four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

 

Earlier in the day it was announced that Houston manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for the entire season Monday and the team was fined $5 million for sign-stealing by the team in 2017 and 2018 season.

 

World Series - Washington Nationals v Houston Astros - Game Six
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: First base coach Don Kelly #15 and manager AJ Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros look on against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the discipline and strongly hinted that current Boston manager Alex Cora — the Astros bench coach in 2017 — will face punishment later. Manfred said Cora developed the sign-stealing system used by the Astros.
Houston also will forfeit its next two first- and second-round draft picks.

 

League Championship Series - Houston Astros v New York Yankees - Game Three
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Manager AJ Hinch of the Houston Astros looks on during batting practice prior to game three of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

 

Manfred said Hinch was aware of the system but did not bring it to the attention of Luhnow. The GM told Major League Baseball he was unaware of the system but Manfred held him accountable for the team's actions. Manfred also said owner Jim Crane was not aware.

 

© 2019 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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