Chris Sale Plunks Victor Martinez, Sparks Bench-Clearing Conversation

White Sox pitcher Chris Sale hit Victor Martinez in the sixth inning of today's game, causing both benches and bullpens to clear, though no one actually did anything. Why did Sale tag Martinez? The current best theory: Sale thought Martinez was stealing signs with the help of someone in the bullpen.

The video shows Sale gesturing towards center field earlier in the game, and he does it again after hitting Martinez. There was also this:

The Tigers won 6-1, but Sale's outing was fine—he gave up one earned run in six innings with 10 strikeouts. If his signs really were being stolen, it didn't work today.