If there was one pitcher who you’d expect to strongly oppose a universal designated hitter rule change, it, of course, would be Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
The 10-year MLB veteran is a .181 lifetime hitter. He hit at least three home runs in each of the four seasons preceding 2018.
So, when asked about whether the National League should employ a designated hitter, an idea that has gained traction in recent weeks, Bumgarner reproached.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Bumgarner told the San Francisco Chronicle, “my job is pitching. That’s what I’m going to focus on doing. But the whole reason I work on hitting is because that’s how we play in the National League. You can help a team win a game.”
“There’s 100 percent more strategy,” he said. “You see American League managers — the game moves a little quick for them when they come over here. That might offend some people. It’s the truth. It’s a more difficult game to manage. At the same time, you’re giving more (hitters) jobs. I get that, too. There are two sides to it.”
Bumgarner elaborated on more rule changes, which has permeated the MLB in recent years, from limiting mound visits to incorporating instant replay. In short: he’s not a fan.
“Honestly, I don’t care anymore,” Bumgarner said. “We’ve changed so many rules, I can’t keep up with it. I play the game that they have for us. Who knows what that’s going to be when I’m finished, as much as I’ve seen changes in the little time I’ve been here.”
“I’ll play whatever rules we have, but I think it’s kind of getting out of hand,” Bumgarner said.