"Braves reliever Takashi Saito's reduced vision necessitates a catcher signaling for pitches as a third-base coach signals to a batter, rather than the conventional method of signaling with fingers between the squatting catcher's legs.

It worked well for Saito and the Braves until Tuesday, when the 40-year-old pitcher and catcher Brian McCann got signals crossed on an eighth-inning pitch that proved costly.

Saito threw a full-count fastball to Clint Barmes when McCann was expecting a breaking pitch. Barmes swung and missed, but the ball sailed past McCann, allowing Barmes to race to first base.

Instead of the third out in a scoreless inning of a one-run game, the Rockies had the bases loaded. Dexter Fowler was up next and lined a two-run single to left-center field that pushed the lead to 5-2, which ended up being the final score.

"I missed the sign," Saito said through his interpreter. "I thought it was a fastball. I didn't realize it until I got back to the bench."

On Wednesday, Saito and McCann discussed their method for exchanging signals. They use "touch" signals - McCann touches his chest, shoulder, nose, etc. - in night games, and in day games with a runner at second base. Saito is the only Braves pitcher that requires the method."