Madison Bumgarner Doesn't Need a Damn DH
By Kyle Koster
Madison Bumgarner will be on the hill later today for the San Francisco Giants against the Oakland A’s. He’ll also be in the batter’s box thanks to Bruce Bochy’s decision to let his power-hitting ace swing instead of a designated hitter.
It’s the first time in 40 years that a team has intentionally eschewed a DH. Joe Maddon accidentally batted his pitcher third while managing Tampa Bay in 2009.
Bumgarner is hitting just .175 this year but has slugged 11 home runs in 183 at-bats since the 2014 season began.
“He’s a good hitter, he’s dangerous and we’re facing a lefty,” Bochy said of his strategy. The Giants have been hit by the injury bug lately — which also is a factor.
The extra three or four plate appearances probably won’t be as exciting as a Bumgarner Home Run Derby appearance but, hey, it’s something.
[MLB]