Corbin Burnes Aug 7, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Michael Dixon on

With spring training still in its infancy staged, Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes may not be at his peak form yet. But his trolling and pranking? That’s a different story.

During Thursday’s Cactus League game against the Texas Rangers, Burnes got Brad Miller to ground out to first base. Rowdy Tellez, Milwaukee’s first baseman fielded the ball and flipped it to Burnes, who touched first well ahead of Miller for the easy out.

Burnes then appeared ready to hand the ball back to Tellez but instead dropped it, making the first baseman do a little extra work. Tellez than gave his pitcher a light smack over the back of the head before picking the ball up and throwing it around the horn.

Pranks on teammates are as much a part of baseball as three strikes and you’re out. This is especially true in spring training with guys who have secure roster spots, as both Burnes and Tellez do.

Knowing that, most of the reactions to this prank reflected the fun nature of it. There were some people, though, who felt that it might have been Burnes’ acting out some frustration about his contract situation.

As interesting as it would be if there was real animosity behind Burnes’ action, that’s just not the case. This is a pretty common thing for Burnes to do, even during the regular season. Additionally, Dario Melendez of WISN 12 NEWS noted that the Brewers and specifically Tellez have done a lot of trash talk during the early part of spring training.

[Rob Friedman, Dario Melendez]

 

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