LOS ANGELES – The moment was so nondescript that you probably missed it. But it underscored that the Milwaukee Brewers, like other teams in these playoffs, are suspicious that their signs are being decoded, either by traditional means or more nefarious methods.



It was the sixth inning of Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Manny Machado stood alone at second base, beginning to lean toward third. With Chris Taylor at the plate and Corbin Burnes on the mound, Machado signaled to Taylor. First it was jumping in the air, then he began motioning with his hands. Seconds later, Taylor struck out.



As Taylor departed for the Dodgers’ dugout, catcher Erik Kratz went to the mound to talk to Burnes, both putting gloves over their mouths for the duration of the conversation. They were concerned that the Dodgers were picking up their signs, so they discussed their next move. Home-plate umpire Jim Wolf broke up the meeting, and Los...