Wilton Lopez didn't want to throw the slider.
Lopez, on the AB that gave the Phillies a 5-1 lead:
“I had dominated (Feliz) with sinkers. That’s what I had to look for because I was thinking about getting a double play because it doesn’t matter if they score a run, but at least they don’t hit a home run like when the slider stayed up."
JJO might have put Lopez in an awkward situation by letting him continue to talk, and then publishing what he said:
After loading the bases in the fourth inning Tuesday night, Wilton Lopez was willing to trade a run for two outs. He wanted to try for a double play with a sinker. Then, pitching coach Dewey Robinson visited the Citizens Bank Park mound and told him to throw a slider to Pedro Feliz.
Lopez:
“As they say, I’m getting started and I have to pay attention to the pitches they tell me because if I don’t obey and I throw another pitch and they hit me with the pitch they asked for them I’m making a mistake. I’m new at this. I have to keep learning like today’s start. That happened, and I have to work hard for my next outing. Whether it’s starting or in relief I have to prepare.”
So, JJO. Thanks for that. Hopefully Lopez doesn't have to avoid eye contact with Dewey for the rest of the year.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
