Old-school Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday he still thinks rookie Yermin Mercedes should not have swung at a 3-0 pitch on Monday night when the White Sox had a huge ninth-inning lead — even if some players in his own clubhouse and around baseball disagree.
The White Sox were up 14-4 on the Minnesota Twins when Mercedes missed a "take" sign on the 3-0 offering from Willians Astudillo, a utility player who pitched the ninth to save bullpen arms. Mercedes swung and hit a solo home run.
La Russa called out Mercedes for violating one of baseball's unwritten rules after the game, which Chicago won 15-4.
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