Tigers' Tarik Skubal further explains Red Sox sign-stealing tactics to distract pitchers

Did Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal just expose the Boston Red Sox as rule-breakers? Skubal appeared on the Foul Territory network on Monday and spoke with host A.J. Pierzynski about several topics, including the art of sign-stealing and the danger of tipping your pitches. 

Skubal asserted that he believes sign-stealing is part of the game. However, he did note that certain teams — the Red Sox included — implement questionable tactics, particularly involving the first- and third-base coaches.

“I’m very much on it as far as not tipping my pitches,” Skubal said. “One of our video guys watches every single throw I make in a bullpen … every throw I make in the game, and we're very back and forth … making sure I'm not tipping pitches.”

“You know, you have guys at second base (who) can relay signs and get location, or get which pitch is coming,” Skubal continued. “I think that that's all fair game. The one I have a problem with is the first base coach and the third base coach that aren't in their box that they have.”

“I don't know why they have a box if they can't just be in it, because sometimes they go way up the line and way up the other line to see things that you shouldn't be able to see when you're playing the game of baseball,” Skubal added. “So that's the one I have a problem with.”

“And there's teams that do it … Boston's … had me before … Cleveland has had me before … the one I don't like is when the first base and third base coaches go way down the lines and are doing things … if they want to do that, stay in the box. I guess that's my opinion on it.”

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal shares thoughts on sign-stealing, tipping pitches

Skubal may have a valid point about coaches staying in their boxes. Here’s what MLB says about first-base coaches on the league’s official website:

“By rule, the first-base coach must stay within the designated coach's box on the first-base side of home plate prior to each pitch. The coach may leave said box to signal a player once a ball is in play, provided the coach does not interfere with the play.”

The exact same phraseology is used by MLB to describe the limitations of the third-base coach.

With Skubal’s take on Foul Territory, he showed that he’s not just a Cy Young-level talent on the mound, but also an astute student of the game who cares about maintaining integrity inside the lines. And he certainly helped kickstart what's been a concerning growing trend with the Red Sox, who have seemingly gone to great lengths to gain a competitive edge.

So far, the Padres, Angels and Tigers have either voice their displeasure with the Red Sox or have been seen in a high-profile situation where Boston was taking advantage of a certain situation. Don't be surprised if this is addressed in a more formal fashion before the end of the regular season.