LOS ANGELES — The Achilles injury suffered by Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright while batting has sparked some talk-radio conversation about the National League adopting the designated-hitter rule, unifying the two leagues.
Giants ace Madison Bumgarner (reacting to pro-DH comments by Nationals righty Max Scherzer) said he is definitely not in favor of taking the bat out of pitcher’s hands just as a way to avoid injuries.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he couldn’t agree more and that Bumgarner’s comments were “right on.”
“I don’t want to see it happen,” Bochy said of adopting the DH. “I think it’d be a shame.
“It’s a beautiful game with the pitcher hitting. … That’s the way it’s been played for over 100 years.”
Bochy pointed out that he has lost pitchers to injuries suffered while batting in the past, mentioning Santiago Casilla and Dan Runzler. But “it’s part of the game.”
“I don’t care what they say — it’s a different game (with the DH) from what I’m accustomed to, what I love,” he said. “I’ve done plenty of games with the DH. … I prefer this.”
Bochy pointed out the increased strategy in a game without a designated hitter and dismissed the idea that the NL needs to add the DH in order to reverse the downward trend in offense in recent seasons.
“I don’t buy that,” he said. “I don’t know if everybody wants to see offense. I think people appreciate a tight, well-pitched ballgame. I know I appreciate that more than a slugfest.”