Tony La Russa promised consequences for Yermin Mercedes over the slugger’s home run on Monday night.
La Russa’s White Sox pummeled the Twins 16-4. They scored 14 runs over the first six innings and turned things into a blowout.
By the time the ninth inning came around, Minnesota had utility player Willians Astudillo pitch the final half-inning.
Mercedes was the third batter up and began with a 3-0 count. That didn’t deter him from unloading on the 3-0 pitch for a huge home run to make it 16-4.
Yermin Mercedes – Chicago White Sox (6) pic.twitter.com/4Ig4e1sTuK
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 18, 2021
A day later, La Russa acknowledged the Twins were upset about the home run. La Russa said that Mercedes made a mistake by swinging at that pitch and that there would be a consequence.
Tony La Russa was 'upset' that Yermin Mercedes hit a home run on a 3-0 count last night in a blowout win.
"He made a mistake. There will be a consequence he has to endure here within our family."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 18, 2021
La Russa said it’s about sportsmanship, respect for the game and respect for an opponent.
Tony La Russa called it a "big mistake" for Yermin Mercedes swinging at the 3-0 pitch from Willians Astudillo, admitting there will be consequences.
Said La Russa: "That's just sportsmanship, respect for the game, respect for the opponent. … He's not going to do that again."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 18, 2021
La Russa also said Mercedes had the take sign but missed or ignored it.
La Russa apologized to the Twins. Mercedes did ignore the take sign. Tony said he could tell Yermin was winding up to swing. https://t.co/8MPGGhMXLh
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 18, 2021
Mercedes defended himself for his actions and said he is trying to be himself and have fun.
Yermin Mercedes isn't here for the unwritten rules of baseball.
"I'm going to play like that. I'm Yermin. I can't be another person because if I change it, everything is going to change. … We're just having fun. It's baseball." pic.twitter.com/WGf8ZyL2TN
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 18, 2021
That was Mercedes’ sixth home run of the season. He’s batting .364 on the season.
Sure, there is always the argument of sportsmanship. But as long as the Twins have an opportunity to come back in the game (which they did in the bottom of the ninth), it’s hard to argue with someone trying to add to the lead. One could also argue that the Twins turned things into a joke once they put in a position player to pitch.
