MLB playoff subterfuge reached critical mass Wednesday in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell removed starting pitcher Wade Miley after he threw just five pitches. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, that was all part of Counsell's strategy:
Brandon Woodruff came on in relief and pitched a scoreless first inning.
Plenty of writers had fun with Counsell's unique approach:
Bill PlunkettFor all of you old-schoolers who think today's starting pitchers are coddled -- Wade Miley will probably start consecutive games in this #NLCS.