One of the biggest topics in Major League Baseball this week has been Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa condemning his own player, Yermín Mercedes, for hitting a home run on a 3-0 count during a 16-4 blowout win over the Minnesota Twins.
The rookie’s homer came in the top of the ninth with two outs and the White Sox already holding an 11-run lead. La Russa after the game opined Mercedes made a mistake by swinging and that he would face consequences for breaking one of baseball’s unwritten rules.
Mercedes was back in the lineup on Tuesday and faced retaliation, as Twins reliever Tyler Duffey threw a fastball behind him. La Russa later stated he didn’t have a problem with how the club handled it.
Many players around the league have given their take on the drama surrounding the White Sox, including Los Angeles Dodgers starter Trevor Bauer, who explained he wouldn’t be opposed to players swinging in a similar situation against him:
Dear hitters: If you hit a 3-0 homer off me, I will not consider it a crime.
Dear people who are still mad about a hitter hitting: kindly get out of the game.
Can’t believe we’re still talking about 3-0 swings. If you don’t like it, managers or pitchers, just be better.
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) May 18, 2021
Bauer is one of the league’s most outspoken players and often shares his opinions on controversial subjects surrounding the sport. He previously has spoken in favor of players flipping their bat after hitting a home run and criticized those who are against it.
However, where Bauer drew a line was with San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. appearing to peek in on the signs before a pitch.
Dodgers push Bauer back to Giants series
After Bauer tied a season high with 113 pitches in his last start against the Miami Marlins, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club is pushing back Bauer to start this weekend against the San Francisco Giants.
The right-hander has made it clear he prefers pitching every four days — much less on extra rest — but the change would allow the Dodgers to start Bauer, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias for the series against the National League West-leading Giants.
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