Washington Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson plans to lighten burden on reliever Tyler Clippard
In a sharp contrast to his predecessor, Davey Johnson plans to use reliever Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen cautiously. Wishing to see them fresh late in the inning, even if some of the pitchers are injured or are missing, Johnson is not going to change his
mind and as he asserts he will ensure them due rest between the games.
Clippard had been performing lengthy duties on the mound while coming at later part of the game and credit to him he never shied away. By looking at almost 1791 innings and 2930 total pitches he has thrown in last two seasons, one can understand why manager
is so sympathetic with him.
As Clippard himself believes, if he continues pitching as usual and does not cut down his work, he will do it at the serious expense of his career. The fact he looks on 10 more years stay in baseball as one of his cherished goals, Johnson will do him a great
favour by using him sparingly.
“I don’t think it’s something I can continue to do over the course of a 10-year career, which is something I have a goal in mind to have,” Clippard said. “I want to be here for a while. So I understand that the workload needs to go down.”
Pragmatically speaking, at the back of much improved bullpen Washington Nationals have today, Johnson will not see much of the problem in finding equally reliable replacements.
“I want them all fresh,” Johnson said. “I don’t care, at anytime during the season, I never want to overwork anybody.”
Clippard now feels much lightened and the fact he was used for six consecutive days under James David Riggleman, Nationals' former manager, he is happy that present manager is on his side and is willing to give him the rest he needs. Believing that usage
of players is as important as their performance, he seconds the strategy Johnson is employing right now.
Regardless of the appearances Clippard will give on the mound, he remains critical to sides’ success in the season. By having his workload reduced, he will thrust more power to his throws and in turn will trouble batters more.
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