How Philadelphia Phillies and Thomson Handled Falter Situation Was Mind-Boggling

There hasn’t been much to criticize of Rob Thomson since he became the Philadelphia Phillies manager.

Since replacing Joe Girardi, “Philly Rob” has been near perfect.

This is being picky, but it was fair to question Thomson’s motive in pulling Zack Wheeler after 70 pitches in Game Six of the World Series. That’s because Jose Alvarado gave up a crucial three-run home run to Yordan Alvarez and the Phillies ultimately fell to the Houston Astros in six games.

On Monday, Thomson chose to start relief pitcher Connor Brogdon and then insert struggling Bailey Falter.

Why?

Because Falter had been scuffling in the first inning of games this season.

Huh?

Well, Brogdon didn’t get out of the first and Falter came in with the bases loaded and two outs. Falter wound up tossing 4 1/3 innings and allowed eight hits and six runs, though none were earned, and the Phillies lost to the San Francisco Giants, 6-3.

Falter (0-7) was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

This line of thinking, probably the result of analytics research, just makes no sense. Let Falter take the ball and pitch his way out of his funk.

Putting him in games in the second inning and messing with relievers like Brogdon is unnecessary.

Thomson is overthinking this. The Phillies are overthinking this.

It’s a new world in Major League Baseball with stricter pitch counts and analytics taking over the league.

In this case with Falter, just stop. Please stop.

Let the young man pitch and get out of the way.

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