Los Angeles Dodgers Right to Pull Ross Stripling
By David Hill
In his major league debut, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling was pulled in the eighth inning with a no hitter intact. This was the right call.
Two years ago, in 2014, Los Angeles Dodgers minor league pitcher Ross Stripling uderwent Tommy John surgery. He was not a top prospect, and had bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen for the Chattanooga Lookouts in the Southern League the year before. Last season, in his return from the surgery, Stripling appeared in 14 games, pitching a total of 71.1 innings. He lasted beyond six innings in only one of his starts as he worked his way back into shape.
Tonight, Stripling made his major league debut in spectacular fashion. In his 7.1 innings, Stripling did not allow a hit, striking out four while issuing four walks. For a moment, it appeared as though he was about to join Bumpus Jones as the only pitchers to fire a no hitter in their major league debuts.
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Unfortunately, with five outs left to go, Stripling walked Angel Pagan. At 100 pitches, and with a runner on first, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the decision to pull the young starter, looking to protect his arm for the long term. With the rain coming down, Roberts brought in Chris Hatcher, who promptly gave up a home run to Trevor Brown. No more no hitter, and the ballgame was now tied at 2-2.
Naturally, Roberts’ decision is being questioned. Why take out a pitcher, in his major league debut, who was throwing a no hitter? Well, given the weather and the consistent rain, as well as Stripling’s pitch count as he is coming back from Tommy John surgery, taking him out of the game was the correct decision.
Roberts, and the Dodgers, need to worry about more than history. Stripling’s pursuit of Bumpus Jones was certainly fascinating, but they need to protect their pitcher and make sure that his arm remains healthy. One slip, or one ball that gets a little slick and causes him to alter his delivery slightly could have disastrous results.
Yes, Hatcher was unable to finish off the Dodgers first combined no hitter and kept Stripling from the record books. However, that does not change the validity of the decision. The Dodgers have 162 games to worry about, and with the injuries to their starting rotation, they need Stripling to take his turn every fifth day. Getting Stripling out of the game when he did helps make sure that he will be ready for his next start.
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It may not be a popular decision, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the right choice. Ross Stripling’s elbow is far more important than risking injury to chase history.