Jared Jones is the only starting pitcher in MLB's modern era to pitch at least 6.0 innings and retire every batter he faced during his entire outing and yet not get the win.
Ben Cherington at his press conference today deferred a lot of questions about specifics to various topics that he, "would leave it up to Donny."
I wonder if it was, truly, "up to Donny," a Jim Leyland disciple, who a year ago at this time had Gene Lamont on his left hip, to remove Jared Jones.
It's certainly something no one will ever admit aloud. I'd also love a detailed explanation as to the risk with 'ups' (innings), which Jones had a season-high six. What's the harm? Many will say it's an inexact science, and no one has all the answers. If that's the case, why not let the game come to you? If there is a logical baseball reason, steeped in research and science that shows that doing so can put a prized arm in peril, lay it out for us. Educate us. Make us a more informed baseball audience. I think we'd all digest the robbing of potential history that just occurred tonight a little easier.
Instead, a cryptic, we know better is what is told to us in a roundabout way. But do they?
You mess with the Baseball Gods. You spit into the wind. You always get what you deserve [Joey Bart just homered]. 2-0, Braves.