The starting pitcher is rolling. His pitch count is in the mid-80s, he’s allowed a few hits, but not much hard contact. He gets the first out of the sixth, then gives up a line drive in the gap for a double. The manager begins his slow walk to the mound. Despite a brilliantly-pitched game and only a few blemishes, the manager is changing pitchers.
It’s a scenario that has become commonplace when starting pitchers are due to face a starting lineup for the third time. Managers even pull their starters when they’re pitching a no-hitter, something that was unthinkable a few decades ago.