Tony La Russa may want Yermín Mercedes to take a pitch the next time he sees a 3-0 count with the White Sox in front by a bunch, but at least one of his teammates says he should keep swinging away. Tim Anderson made a brief appearance when Mercedes went live on Instagram following the Sox series victory against the Twins and had a very clear message for the rookie slugger.
“Keep swingin’ 3-0,” Anderson said.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Mercedes has drawn public support from many of his teammates after his homer to put the Sox up 16-4 in the first game of their series against Minnesota. However, La Russa has expressed his displeasure in Mercedes' decision to tee off in a runaway win.
"I heard he said something like, 'I play my game.' No he doesn't," La Russa said. "He plays the game of Major League Baseball, respects the game, respects the opponents. And he's got to respect the signs. When he gets the take sign, he takes. ... It's a learning experience."
For what it’s worth, Mercedes posted on Instagram before Wednesday’s game saying he’ll continue to be true to himself.
“Be you and that it,” Mercedes said in the post. “Remember that life is just one, enjoy it.”
MLB
Click here to subscribe to the White Sox Talk Podcast for free.