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Manager Pulls Pitcher Late, Fans Erupt in Boos
11 May
Summary
- Torey Lovullo removed Eduardo Rodriguez with two outs in the ninth inning.
- Rodriguez was denied his first career complete game after 100 pitches.
- Lovullo prioritized pitcher preservation over a complete game.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo faced the ire of the Chase Field crowd on Sunday after pulling left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez just two outs shy of a complete game. Rodriguez had delivered an impressive 8.1 innings, allowing only one run on 100 pitches, seeking his first career complete game.
Despite Rodriguez's plea to finish the game, Lovullo opted to remove him, citing concerns about his pitch count and the cumulative fatigue from "up-downs" between innings. Lovullo stressed the importance of preserving his pitchers' arms for the long season, even if it meant making an unpopular decision that led to fan boos.
The decision did not impact the game's outcome, with reliever Juan Morillo securing the final outs in the D-backs' 5-1 victory. Lovullo acknowledged the difficult nature of such choices, prioritizing player longevity and long-term performance over short-term achievements like a single complete game.
Rodriguez, who had previously missed time with shoulder issues in 2024 and 2025, understood Lovullo's reasoning, appreciating the manager's commitment to his health. The manager vowed to continue making tough decisions to protect his players throughout the season.
