Twins released C Derek Bender for tipping pitches, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Bender told teammates he wanted the season to be over, according to Passan. As the Single-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels catcher, he gave the Lakeland Flying Tigers pitch types and location during a game with playoff implications. Bender was the Twins’ sixth round pick in this year’s MLB Draft. He signed for $297,500 and will keep the entirety of his bonus, according to Passan. Bender hit .200 with two home runs and eight RBI in 19 games with Fort Myers. His baseball future is up in the air at the moment.
