Charlie Manuel sends Ty Wigginton as pinch-hitter and leaves Carlos Ruiz unused - MLB Update
The time when the Philadelphia Phillies trailed by runs and needed a pinch-hitter to lift the charge late in the innings, Ty Wigginton was sent on the plate. It was a move that surprised everyone in the ballpark.
Keeping a strong hitter like Carlos Ruiz idle and using the one who has been least impressive in the season sparked debate about why Charlie Manuel, the Phillies’ manager, preferred Wigginton.
As the decision bore no fruit, criticism grew fiercer against the manager.
Wigginton appeared on plate and far from making any big connection he turned out as mediocre as he has been in the season. He hit ground ball and not even a fraction of what was expected came off from him.
On the other hand, if Ruiz was given the opportunity, there were more chances that couple of hits had been witnessed.
After all, Ruiz has struck seven home-runs in the season. Along with it, 29 RBIs he has to his name made him an ideal fit in the situation, by any stretch of imagination.
In contrast, Wigginton is hitting .250, with two home-runs and 14 RBIs.
When asked from Manuel about the decision, the fact Wigginton has been hitting well against a reliever who was throwing during the moment was the reason, Manuel explained.
Manager believes that Wigginton has lot to offer the club in the season, despite an ordinary performance so far.
“I watch him in BP, and he hits balls out of there pretty easy,” Manuel said. “He says his leg is fine.”
Regardless of what happened on Sunday, Wigginton trusts his legs and is confident to find a top-notch form soon.
“You’ll never every hear me say any injury has any bearing for what goes on,” Wigginton said. “Bumps and bruises and are a part of baseball. Any time you have a chance to be out there, I think you have to take the field to help the team win.”
As strategy of promoting Wigginton had not worked, Manuel will be evaluating the decision. By drawing positives from it, he will look to come up with better decisions next time.
Tags: