Minnesota Twins’ Derek Bender released after leaking information to opponents in game that eliminated his team from playoff contention
Minnesota Twins catcher Derek Bender has been fired by the team after it emerged he tipped opposing players during a minor-league game last week.
Bender was selected in the sixth round of the draft out of Coastal Carolina in July and had been playing in Low-A while waiting for his chance at the Major Leagues.
That won’t happen anytime soon, however, as he was fired by the Twins on Thursday following an incident while playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
According to ESPNit was discovered that Bender had told opposing Lakeland Flying Tigers players what kind of pitch they would get from starter Ross Dunn during the September 6 at bats.
Lakeland scored four runs in the second inning to win the game 6-0, eliminating Fort Myers from the Florida State League West Division playoffs.
Derek Bender watches during one of his final college games with Coastal Carolina in April
Bender (left) was released by the Minnesota Twins on Thursday after a shocking revelation
According to ESPN sources, Bender told his teammates he “wanted the season to be over.”
His actions reportedly came to light after Lakeland coaches informed Fort Myers after the game about the tilting of the field. There is no evidence that the Flying Tigers committed any wrongdoing. They were said to have been “surprised” by the information.
Bender was selected with the 188th overall pick in this year’s draft and was signed for $297,500. He will reportedly keep his full bonus despite being cut.
He played 19 games for Fort Myers in the Low-A division, but spent the final two games of the season in the bullpen instead of his usual spot in the dugout.