Touch 'Em All: Blue Jays GM denies team is stealing signs

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said an ESPN report accusing his team of stealing signs had "zero truth" to it.

ESPN cited four unnamed relievers from an AL team who claim the Jays used a man in the stands to steal signs and signal to the batter during a game in 2010.

According to the article, the man would raise his arms to indicate an offspeed pitch, and leave them by his side if a fastball was coming.

Blue Jays fans and players had some fun with the allegations during Wednesday's game. Several fans in the outfield seats wore white shirts, with one holding a sign that read "FASTBALL." Another fan held a sign that read, "I'm stealing your signs."

In the bullpen, reliever Casey Janssen fashioned a pair of binoculars out of two paper cups and a roll of tape, and wore them around his neck.

But not everyone was laughing. Blue Jays manager John Farrell called the article "a slap in the face."

When Nationals righthander Steven Strasburg made his first rehab start last week for single-A Hagerstown, Md., more than 60 media members were in attendance.

Dan Uggla singled his first time up on Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to 31, the longest in the majors this season. He tied Rico Carty (who did it in 1970) for second place in franchise history. Tommy Holmes hit in 37 straight for the Boston Braves in 1945.

Colorado signed former Phillies righthander Kevin Millwood, who was released by the Red Sox on Saturday without ever getting to Boston from triple-A Pawtucket.

Millwood, 36, had signed with the Yankees before the season but was sent to triple-A Scranton and requested a release on May 15.

 Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said first baseman Justin Morneau will return Friday after missing than two months following surgery to relieve a pinched nerve in his neck.

Reds shortstop Zack Cozart will have reconstructive surgery on his nonthrowing elbow, damaged while making a tag at second on July 23.