Actions

Diamondbacks coach under fire for wearing Apple Watch during Rockies Wild Card game

Posted at 2:24 PM, Oct 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-05 21:09:51-04

PHOENIX — Following a win against the Colorado Rockies in the NL Wild Card game on Wednesday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks are being peppered with questions about a coach wearing an Apple Watch in the dugout. 

A Major League Baseball source confirmed to Denver7's Troy Renck they are "looking into" why Diamondbacks Assistant Coach Ariel Prieto was spotted wearing the watch during the game, especially after controversy over watches worn by Boston Red Sox personnel that allegedly allowed them to steal signs from New York Yankees catchers. 

According to ESPN, the Red Sox were fined an undisclosed amount after an MLB investigation into their use of the devices. 


[Photo courtesy: TBS]
In a statement, Commissioner Rob Manfred said, "all 30 clubs have been notified that future violations of this type will be subject to more serious sanctions, including the possible loss of draft picks." 

MLB rules are clear against the use of electronics in the dugout.

The Arizona Diamondbacks responded after the initial questions, releasing a statement suggesting it was an honest mistake.

"Ariel Prieto has assured us that this was a simple oversight and honest mistake. The watch he wore last night was absolutely not used in any way related to our game and we will make certain prior to the NLDS that it will not be an issue again. Ariel takes full responsibility and feels terrible that this has been a distraction of any kind."

The Diamondbacks went on to win the Wild Card game against the Rockies 11-8 and are now advancing on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Denver7 reached out to the Rockies for response, however they have yet to issue any statement.