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

The Twins launched their sixth-round draft decide from July after they discovered he knowledgeable opposing hitters what pitches have been coming as his minor league crew 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 obtained a $297,500 signing bonus. Taking part in for Class A Fort Myers, Bender’s crew entered the final week of the common season needing wins in three of its remaining six video games to qualify for the Florida State League playoffs.

ESPN reported Fort Myers coaches have been notified Bender tipped pitches after the sport and that Bender advised teammates he wished the season to finish. The Twins, who declined additional remark, launched Bender after an inside investigation.

“Derek Bender is one in all 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 determination. However nothing can change what I noticed firsthand. Love ya Flexible.”

Bender 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.