Fiers doesn't want MLB's extra security: 'I can defend myself'

Oakland Athletics right-hander Mike Fiers isn't concerned about his safety during the upcoming season after exposing the Houston Astros' illegal sign-stealing.

"I'm not asking for extra security. I'm here to play baseball and I can defend myself, if anything," Fiers told The Athletic's Alex Coffey on Wednesday. "We do have National League games and I'm going to have to get into the box (to hit) just like everybody else. It's part of the game. If they decide to throw at me, then they throw at me. There's nothing much you can do about it."

Fiers exposed the Astros in November when he detailed how they used electronics to steal signs throughout their World Series-winning campaign, during which he was a member of the team. While many praised him for calling attention to Houston's cheating, the pitcher also faced some backlash for breaking the "unwritten rules" of the clubhouse.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said earlier this week that the league will "take every possible step to protect Mike Fiers wherever he's playing, whether it's in Houston or somewhere else," but didn't specify exactly what it will do.

The A's are scheduled to visit the Astros for 10 games this regular season. Fiers said he's not concerned for his safety in Houston.

"No. Everyone's crazy - everyone can get crazy at a certain point if they don't like something that you do," he said. "Listen ... everyone's mad at (the Astros). There are teams that are mad. It doesn't matter what it is, extra protection, I mean, what are you going to do? There's not much you can do."

He added: "I've dealt with a lot in my life. I've dealt with people hating me before. I've dealt with a lot of life problems. It is what it is. And if someone's going to retaliate then by hitting me with a pitch, it's not a big deal."