Now that he’s no longer with the Chicago White Sox, pitcher Kenyan Middleton is unleashing on his former team. The new member of the New York Yankees had some interesting comments about his former club following the fight between Tim Anderson and Jose Ramirez.
A brawl erupted between Anderson and Ramirez during a White Sox-Guardians game over the weekend. Ramirez’s fist connected with Anderson’s jaw, sending the Chicago infielder to the ground.
In an interview with ESPN, Middleton said his former team lacked a lot of discipline.
“We came in with no rules,” Middleton told ESPN. “I don’t know how you police the culture if there are no rules or guidelines to follow because everyone is doing their own thing. Like, how do you say anything about it because there are no rules?
“You have rookies sleeping in the bullpen during the game. You have guys missing meetings, (and) you have guys missing PFPs (pitcher fielding practices), and there are no consequences for any of this stuff.”
Perhaps that’s why the White Sox own a 45-68 record and sit fourth in the AL Central.
Middleton was dealt at the trade deadline, going from Chicago to New York. It didn’t take the reliever long to realize there’s a much different culture with the Yankees. One that he appreciates.
“The second I found out I was traded, I shaved my face,” Middleton said. “I was ready to play by their rules because all I want to do is win games…You know how to act [here]. You know not to be late and you know there are consequences if you are late.”
Middleton has played in 41 games this season, logging 39.1 innings. He’s surrendered 33 hits and 16 runs, allowing seven home runs, as well. He’s struck out 52 batters and owns a 3.66 earned run average.
Middleton’s time with the White Sox was brief. He started his career with the Los Angeles Angels (2017-20) and played with the Seattle Mariners in 2021. The pitcher then had a one-year stop with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining Chicago’s squad this year.
To make Middleton’s comments even more interesting, it comes just before the Yankees head to Chicago for a three-game series with the White Sox. The two AL teams will play on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET each night.
Will we see more fireworks in this series because of Middleton’s recent comments?
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