Rays Pitcher Apologizes to Yankees Star After Sign-Stealing Accusation

Drew Rasmussen confronted Jazz Chisholm Jr. about relaying pitch locations, then apologized between innings.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the field.A tense on-field confrontation between a Rays pitcher and a Yankees star exposes the ongoing tensions around sign-stealing in baseball.Today in Tampa

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen accused New York Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. of relaying his pitch locations from second base during their game on Sunday. After striking out the next batter, Rasmussen approached Chisholm between innings and apologized, saying 'I'm sorry, brother. That's not like me.' The exchange was a rare display of on-field accountability from a pitcher in the middle of a dominant outing.

Why it matters

The incident reignited the long-running debate around baserunner sign-stealing, even as the practice remains entirely legal under MLB rules as long as no electronics are involved. Chisholm has faced similar scrutiny in the past, but Rasmussen's apology was an unusual display of sportsmanship in the heat of competition.

The details

In the top of the second inning, Chisholm doubled to put the Yankees' first baserunner on second base. With the next batter at the plate, Rasmussen grew suspicious that Chisholm was relaying his pitch location from second base. After striking out the batter, Rasmussen turned back to Chisholm and shouted at him. Between innings, Rasmussen approached Chisholm and apologized directly, saying 'I'm sorry, brother. That's not like me.'

  • On Sunday, April 12, 2026, during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees at Tropicana Field.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

A right-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who was making his return from the paternity list and had a dominant outing, holding the Yankees to one hit and seven strikeouts through six scoreless innings.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

A star player for the New York Yankees who was accused by Rasmussen of relaying pitch locations from second base, though Chisholm has faced similar scrutiny in the past for this practice which remains legal in MLB.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm sorry, brother. That's not like me.”

— Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher

What’s next

The incident is unlikely to have any further consequences, as sign-stealing without the use of electronics is permitted under MLB rules. However, the exchange between Rasmussen and Chisholm may reignite the broader debate around the practice.

The takeaway

Rasmussen's apology to Chisholm was a rare display of on-field accountability and sportsmanship, even in the heat of competition. While sign-stealing remains a controversial topic in baseball, Rasmussen's actions showed a level of professionalism and respect that is not always seen in these types of confrontations.