Benched Sunday, Mercedes explains late arrival
Yermin Mercedes was initially in the White Sox starting lineup Sunday against the Indians at Guaranteed Rate Field, but manager Tony La Russa scratched him for being a late arrival.
La Russa went with Jake Lamb at designated hitter. On Tuesday, Mercedes explained the tardiness.
"I was just in the traffic," the rookie said. "For 10-15 minutes, traffic stopped. Just got there late to the field, 10-15 minutes. I just talked with Tony. They know everything was good. I meant to be there 10-15 minutes before but I got late because I got in traffic.
"We talked about it and everything was good. It's going to happen sometimes, but we just need to be careful with that and not (let it) happen anymore. But everything is good for us."
On Monday, Mercedes was named American League Rookie of the Month after hitting .415/.455/.659 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI in 22 April games.
"I don't want to try to do much," Mercedes said. "I just want to be Yermin, do the little things I can do and be ready all the time."