There have only been a handful of games in which to judge anything done by Don Mattingly so far. There really isn’t any discernable difference between him and Rob Thomson on much of anything that either does, but one thing does sort of stick out – he’s not a fan of letting starters go too long.
On Thursday, Cristopher Sanchez was yanked after 85 pitches even though they were having a bullpen game in the second part of the doubleheader. The night before, Jesus Luzardo only threw 88 pitches. It should be said that both of at least pitched in the seventh inning, Luzardo allowed to finish it, Sanchez yanked before he could do the same. Sanchez was at least a little annoyed by the decision, but Mattingly stood by it.
Which brings us to our question of the day: what are your feelings on the few instances we’ve had to judge Don Mattingly on how he’s going to handle this pitching staff? Again, not much to go off of, but the initial decisions at least may give some idea of what’s to come.
