Minnesota Twins release minor league catcher for intentional pitch tipping: Source

The team released Minnesota Twins minor-league catcher Derek Bender on Thursday for intentionally tipping a pitch to opposing batters in a game that resulted in his low-A affiliate being eliminated from playoff contention, a team source confirmed.

Bender, 21, playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, revealed to the Lakeland Flying Tigers hitters that the pitch starter Ross Dunn was going to throw. ESPN reported that Bender “told teammates he wanted to finish the season.”

Lakeland capitalized, scoring four runs in the second inning and winning 6-0, clinching the Florida State League West Division title and eliminating the Mighty Mussels, who held a six-game lead three weeks ago.

Considered a bat-first catcher who was likely destined for first base or designated hitter, Bender fell to the Twins in the sixth round (No. 188) after being ranked as a top-100 draft prospect. He signed for a slightly lower slot bonus of $297,500.

Bender hit .326/.408/.571 with 32 homers in 144 college games over three years at Coastal Carolina, showing big right-handed power as part of an aggressive overall approach at the plate. Several public draft analysts highlighted him as a mid-round selection as a good value pick for the Twins based on his offensive upside.

He struggled mostly in his 19-game professional debut for Low-A Fort Myers, hitting just .200/.273/.333 with two homers and a poor 20-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio and already more action. Saw first base rather than catch. Bender will likely start next season in Fort Myers or High-A Cedar Rapids.

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