Following the 2017-18 cheating scandal, a stain mars the Astros’ legacy. Although the associated individuals received their fair share of punishment, fans are not over it. The Houston Astros may have once again botched a decent victory. Huge favorites going into the postseason, the reigning World Series champs surprisingly flailed against the Texas Rangers.

Although the first two games at Minute Maid Park did not favor the home team, Game 3 was crucial to break the flow. The Lone Stars finally tasted their first loss of the postseason but victory came at a heavy price for the opposing team. The massive sign-stealing scandal tainted not just Houston’s legacy but baseball itself. And a player’s suspicious movements have fans questioning this latest victory yet again.

Cristian Javier Invites Sign-Stealing Controversy

Game 3 of the ALCS saw Martín Maldonado in a surprising hot streak, leading the charge in the second inning. After that, Houston was unstoppable, with Jose Altuve and José Abreu coming in with hits and a home run. But the shadow of the Astros’ unfortunate past followed them rather persistently. This time, the instigator was starter Cristian Javier.

Chelly on X posted a clip of the pitcher getting ready to throw as the camera focused on him. But the X user points their camera at the TV screen that shows Javier darting his eyes to the right, zooming in. “Can someone tell me what he’s looking at? What did he look at right there? What is he looking at?” is the progressively hysterical commentary.

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For the unversed, the Astros used a camera in the center field to relay information to the dugout. Stealing signs this way, they communicated with the hitter at the plate by banging on trash cans in a single or double staccato. The practice was in play throughout the 2017 season and continued to 2018 until eventually all was spilled.

The club resumed its role as World Series villains in 2022, although it was a clean victory this time. But Javier’s shifty eyes have invited brutal fan commentary yet again.

WATCH THIS STORY | Counting Down the Most Infamous Instances of Athletes Caught Cheating on Live Television

Houston Astros Looking for Signs Or Just the Pitch Clock?

As baseball watchers may know, MLB’s pitch clock has been a topic of debate this year. In an effort to shorten lengthy games, the clock reduces the time a pitcher has to throw the ball, and it has caused some unwanted conflicts on the diamond.

While Chelly posed their loud but ambiguous question, many pointed out that Cristian Javier could simply be looking at the clock.

But some weren’t afraid to call out Houston’s previous underhanded ways.

One labeled the Stros “Random, weird and unusual”

Another referred to the infamous trash cans that indicated a specific move to the player on the diamond.

Even so, many couldn’t let the pitch clock idea go.

One fan couldn’t believe the X user needed that answered.

It’s likely an unfounded allegation that is stirring up controversy. One would think that after the major aftereffects the scandal had on MLB, the Astros would have learned their lesson.

READ MORE – “Cheaters” Houston Astros Suddenly Gain Momentum as College Baseball Team Stirs Up Controversial Trash Can Past Along With Thousands