Strategy Question

[Scott.fossum]

I realize this is unlikely to have an impact but it cost nothing so I am not sure why it is not done.

 

When the Brewers go on the road to Colorado. Let us take game 3 for instance. If the Brewers decide to go with another bullpen day. What would be the harm in announcing Chacin as the starter? Then after we bat in the first replace him with whatever bullpen arm(Peralta) you were planning on anyway. Nothing changed for the Brewers at all.

Possible benefits what if we get to that 9th spot in the order in the first we could pinch hit for Chacin and not lose the pitcher we were planning on having.

Also, a slight player benefit. If Chacin is announced as the starter and then Peralta replaces him in the first inning after the Brewers bat and then Peralta pitches 4 shutout innings and we have the lead he could be given the win as the most deserving relief pitcher because the starter(Chacin) didn't go the required 5 innings.

[Vgmastr]

MLB rules require a pitcher to face at least one batter before being removed from a game.

[topper09er]

You can't pinch hit for the starting pitcher in the 1st, the starting pitcher must face at least 1 batter until the batter is out or reaches base. Doing something like and lying about your lineup would be pretty strongly against the unwritten rules. Plus if you were going to do it it would be best to announce a lefty, let the other team put in their lefty lineup, but than trick then and go with Peralta.

[Scott.fossum]

Thank you for the replies. I probably should have looked that up first.