The Minnesota Twins released catching prospect Derek Bender on Thursday for disclosing incoming pitches to his team’s opponent during at-bats, ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel reported.
According to Passan and McDaniel, Bender was playing for the Twins’ Low-A affiliate, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, during a doubleheader on Sept. 6 when he told multiple hitters from the Lakeland Flying Tigers — an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers — which pitch to expect from starter Ross Dunn.
The Mighty Mussels lost that game 6-0 and were eliminated from playoff contention in the Florida State League, despite holding a six-game lead in August.
Per Passan and McDaniel, Lakeland coaches informed Fort Myers coaches after the game and Bender spent the remaining two games of the Mighty Mussels’ season in the bullpen rather than the dugout. Bender also reportedly told teammates earlier that he was eager for the season to be over.
Bender, selected in the sixth round by the Twins this year, as well as the Twins, declined to comment to Passan.
After he was selected, Bender signed for $297,500. Despite being released, he will reportedly keep the entirety of his bonus.
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