Former Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel on Friday apologized for his part in Houston’s sign-stealing scandal.
“It’s just what the state of baseball was at that point in time,” Keuchel said before the opening ceremony at SoxFest. “Was it against the rules? Yes it was. And I personally am sorry for what’s come about the whole situation.”
Asked specifically what he thought of Mike Fiers going on the record about the Astros using technology to steal signs, Keuchel said it’s a “tough subject” because of the tight-knit nature of the clubhouse.
“It sucks to the extent of that the clubhouse rule was broken,” he said. “I mean and that’s where I’ll go with that. I don’t have much else to say about Mike.”
Keuchel, whom the Sox’ signed a three-year, $55.5 million deal last month, became the first Astros player to apologize for the debacle. His apology comes one day after agent Scott Boras told The Athletic he didn’t think Astros players needed to express regret for the sign-stealing scandal because it was the organization’s fault.
Dallas Keuchel was apologetic about Astros ‘17 scandal. Also said ‘a lot of guys were not happy that Mike (Fiers) came out and said something’#SoxFest pic.twitter.com/fIDUoo1lCs
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) January 24, 2020
“I can only speak for myself but just knowing some of those guys over there and knowing how they are as people, we’re all people to an extent, I mean, some guys are robots, I’ll tell you that,” Keuchel said. “But for most of us, the human element is real. And a lot of guys are not happy with the fact that Mike came out and said something or the fact that this even happened.
“But at the same time, there is some sorrow in guys’ voices. I have talked to guys before and this will be going on for a long time and I’m sure in the back of guys minds this’ll stay fresh.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
