Twins minor league catcher Derek Bender cut after tipping off opponent to pitches

The Twins launched their sixth-round draft choose from July after they discovered he knowledgeable opposing hitters what pitches had been coming as his minor league staff competed for a playoff berth, the Minnesota Star Tribune confirmed.

Derek Bender, a catcher from Coastal Carolina, lasted lower than two months within the Twins group after he acquired a $297,500 signing bonus. Taking part in for Class A Fort Myers, Bender’s staff entered the final week of the common season needing victories in three of its ultimate six video games to qualify for the Florida State League playoffs.

Fort Myers’ coaches had been notified Bender tipped pitchers after the sport, and ESPN reported Bender advised teammates he needed the season to finish. The Twins, who declined additional remark, launched Bender following an inside investigation. When the membership regarded into the incident, Bender didn’t admit to tipping pitches when given an opportunity to come clean with it, a supply advised the Minnesota Star Tribune.

“Sadly this occurs with a number of minor leagues. To not this excessive, however most gamers need to go dwelling,” tweeted former Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who spent a number of years managing within the minor leagues. “I’d handle it with them beforehand. Don’t let the few poison the tradition we have now constructed. Kudos to the Twins for doing the precise factor.”

Bender, who can maintain his signing bonus after his launch, batted .200 in 19 video games with two homers, two doubles and eight RBI. ESPN reported Bender spent the ultimate two video games within the bullpen as an alternative of the dugout.

“Derek Bender is considered one of my favourite teammates I’ve performed with,” tweeted Payton Eeles, a Twins minor leaguer for the Class AAA St. Paul Saints who performed with Bender in faculty. “He beloved to win, interval. We wouldn’t have gained as a lot as we did with out him. He made a mistake in life that many 21-year-olds do, and I perceive the org’s choice. However nothing can change what I noticed firsthand. Love ya Flexible.”