White Sox manager Tony La Russa defends Twins for throwing behind Yermin Mercedes
Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa defended the Minnesota Twins for throwing behind one of his own players in bizarre comments after a 5-4 loss on Tuesday.
"I wasn't that suspicious. I'm suspicious when someone throws at someone's head," La Russa said, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "I didn't have a problem with how the Twins handled that."
Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey and manager Rocco Baldelli were ejected from Tuesday's game in the seventh inning for throwing behind Yermin Mercedes in a seemingly retaliatory pitch after the Chicago catcher launched a home run in the ninth inning of Monday's 16-4 blowout victory on a 3-0 count.
La Russa added that he would not allow Mercedes to swing on another 3-0 count in a blowout over another team in the future. However, Mercedes said he's going to continue playing his game.
"I'm going to play my game," Mercedes said. "I can't be another person. If I change, everything is going to change."
The 28-year-old slugger found support from many across Major League Baseball, including teammate Tim Anderson and reigning Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer.
Mercedes has been on a tear this season, slashing .368/.417/.571 with six home runs and 25 RBI in 37 games. Considering his numbers are good, it's hard to imagine he'll hold up on 3-0 counts in the future.
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