Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Tyler Duffey has been suspended three games for throwing behind Chicago White Sox slugger Yermin Mercedes on Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced Thursday. Duffey will appeal the suspension.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli got hit with a one-game suspension and fine. Baldelli will serve his suspension when Minnesota plays Game 2 of its doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angeles.
This is just the latest in this saga involving the Twins and White Sox. It all started when Mercedes belted a 3-0 pitch for a home run off Willians Astudillo in a game that was already a 15-4 blowout in favor of Chicago on Monday night. White Sox manager Tony La Russa got mad at Mercedes for blowing off a take sign and swinging in that situation, even calling out his player in public afterward.
La Russa essentially greenlighted retaliation from the Twins, which came in the form of Duffey throwing behind Mercedes. While Duffey didn't throw high and behind him, it was still blatantly obvious what was happening. Even worse, La Russa didn't condemn the actions and failed to defend his player, instead doubling and tripling down on his beliefs.
White Sox players have come out in support of Mercedes in this battle. Chicago is an impressive 26-16 on the season despite La Russa, and the team is working to move past this silliness. Mercedes has enjoyed a breakout campaign thus far, hitting a league-leading .358 with six dingers and 25 RBI. The 28-year-old only had one plate appearance in the majors before this season.
As for the Twins, they're a wretched 14-27 on the season and look destined to be one of the worst teams in MLB. Duffey is 0-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 14 1/3 innings pitched. He's coming off two strong seasons with Minnesota.
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