If I'm not mistaken, by moving Reddick from the DH slot to LF, Hinch gave up the DH for the remainder of the game. Had the Yankees tied it in the 9th, our pitchers would have had to go to the plate during extra innings unless pinch hit for. As it was, there were two pinch hitters available - McCann and Aoki. But with Aoki probably sore from pitching the night before, that left only the backup catcher as a PH. The only other time I can remember the Stros giving up the DH this season was that game where Fiers came out to run the bases. Which was probably the weirdest game all year.
Yes, Giles went into the lineup in Marwin's spot and would have been the 7th guy due up in the bottom of the 9th. Don't see why Aoki would have been unavailable to PH, sore or not.
You're right, I'm sure Aoki would have been used if absolutely necessary. But I think Hinch wanted to rest him the whole day if at all possible after all the heat he threw the night before.
Scouting report must have said those batters struggle against the changeup, 'cause that's all he threw.
After that May 21 appearance vs Cleveland in which Tolliver looked really good in 4 innings of work, he got absolutely hammered upon his return to Fresno. Gave up 13 earned runs over 2.1 IP in which appeared in 5 separate games. However, he's done much better in his past five appearances, only giving up 2 ERs over 5.1 IP. Hopefully he brings the magic if and when he appears vs Yankees, Braves, or Jays.
I just don't understand why we havent traded for a competent MLB reliever. Those guys are a dime a dozen, and probably could be had for very little in the way of prospects. Not a dominant arm, just a guy who can pitch without being terrible. We just can't keep running these AAA players out there to get shelled every time we are forced to use them.
Apparently, getting shelled doesn't bother the front office as long as we maintain most of our AL lead. To me, this is myopic thinking and ignoring the longer term ramifications of running the pitching staff into the ground.
I believe putting Giles/Harris/Devo in tough situations would make them easier in the postseason. They would have battle-nerves which I think Harris and Devenski is now developing. All these runs that Harris has given up lately will bold well in future situation unless he is mentally weak.
