The Twins released their July sixth-round draft pick after learning he had informed opposing batters of upcoming pitches while his minor league team was battling for a playoff spot, the Minnesota Star Tribune confirmed.

Derek Bender, a catcher from Coastal Carolina, stayed with the Twins for less than two months after receiving a $297,500 signing bonus. Bender’s team played Class A Fort Myers and needed to win three of its final six games in the final week of the regular season to qualify for the Florida State League playoffs.

ESPN reported that Fort Myers coaches were informed after the game that Bender had tipped shots and that Bender had told teammates he wanted to quit the season. The Twins, who declined further comment, fired Bender after an internal investigation.

“Derek Bender is one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with,” tweeted Payton Eeles, a Twins minor leaguer for the Class AAA St. Paul Saints who played with Bender in college. “He loved to win, period. We wouldn’t have won as much without him. He made a mistake like many 21-year-olds make and I understand the organization’s decision. But nothing can change what I saw firsthand. Love you Bendy.”

Bender posted a .200 batting average with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBIs in 19 games. ESPN reported that Bender spent the last two games in the bullpen instead of the dugout.