Dodgers Video: Alex Wood Tries To Avoid Handshake In Dugout
Coming off his worst start as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Alex Wood took the mound on Wednesday night in the rubber game against the Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers were coming off a 16-inning game the night before in which they used up their entire bullpen. Wood was masterful, tossing eight innings and allowing just one hit with five strikeouts. When he finished the eighth, he was at 78 pitches and many would think he would get to finish the game; however, when Wood came into the dugout, there was manager Don Mattingly looking to give him the handshake that signifies his start is over.
What happened next was amusing and a sign that Wood wanted this game for himself:
Kenley Jansen was brought in for the save in the ninth, and he did the job to preserve a 2-0 victory. The Dodger closer had not pitched since Sunday and with a day off on Thursday, it seemed like Mattingly wanted to get him some work.
After the game, Mattingly did say he would have let Wood finish if the Dodgers were up by four or more runs. Wood also understood the decision, using his last start as reason for not complaining about coming out early.
I applaud his competitiveness. Low pitch count at that point as well. Anyone thinks it’s more of Mattingly wants to give Jansen a good save opportunity as much as not wanting Wood out there for 1 more inning. Wood was cruising!!
When a pitcher is on his game he should be allowed to finish. Come 9n Mattingly
Personally, I was happy the Dodgers picked him up in that trade. He has great potential and I truly believe he will be instrumental in the Dodgers’ run to the World Series!