The Minnesota Twins released minor leaguer Derek Bender on Thursday after the Single-A catcher tipped pitches to opposing hitters, an official with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation after ESPN was first to report on the affair.
According to the ESPN report, Bender, playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, told multiple hitters on the Lakeland Flying Tigers what kind of pitches were coming from starter Ross Dunn on Sept. 6.
Lakeland’s win clinched a Florida State League division title and eliminated Fort Myers from playoff contention.
Lakeland coaches brought Bender’s tipping to the attention of the Fort Myers staff after the game, according to ESPN.
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Bender was a sixth-round pick in July’s draft out of Coastal Carolina and hit .200 in 19 minor-league games.
Bender’s college teammate Payton Eeles − currently on Minnesota’s Triple-A team − posted on social media Thursday night that Bender was “one of my favorite teammates” and said the catcher “made a mistake in life that many 21 year olds do,” while offering his love and support.
