Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus defended his decisions with his bullpen in the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said it was “bitter” to be out of the MLB playoffs already, but particularly defended his bullpen management during the Tigers’ three-game sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. General Manager Dave Dombrowski said that he expects the entire coaching staff, who are under contract, to return for the 2015 season. Ausmus led Detroit to the American League Central title in his first year as a manager, but was criticized during the final month of the season and especially in the playoffs for how he handled his heavily-favored team.
More from Detroit Tigers
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
- MLB rumors: Justin Verlander buzz, Astros target All-Star, Reds-White Sox deal
- Tigers young star takes vicious shot at Royals pitcher over sticky stuff allegations
- Immaculate Grid baseball: Answers, connections, hints for Grid 105 (July 16)
- Immaculate Grid baseball: Answers, connections, hints for Grid 102 (July 13)
Ausmus cited two specific bullpen criticisms during a 30-minute phone call with reporters, his decision to pull Sanchez in Game Two, after he had pitched two scoreless innings in relief and not using Al Alburquerque in the entire series. He said Sanchez wasn’t cleared to pitch until the last days of the regular season, and from the start knew Sanchez would not be allowed to pitch more than two innings or 35 pitches in an appearance.
“We’re talking about a guy who hadn’t pitched out of the pen in about five years,” Ausmus said of Sanchez, a starting pitcher who was dealing with pectoral inflammation in his throwing side since August. “He had had one inning of work in his last 50 days.”
Ausmus also added that the Tigers were still trying to win the division at the end of the regular season, and ended up finishing a game ahead of the Kansas City Royals, who advanced via the Wild Card.
As for Alburquerque, Ausmus said there wasn’t a good situation to use him, as he was best in the “sixth or seventh inning.” Ausmus added the one spot he could have used Alburquerque was in Game Two, but Sanchez was pitching then.
It’s still a disappointing end for Tigers fans, and hopefully Ausmus can be more flexible with his relievers in 2015.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26