The sight of manager Clint Hurdle walking to the mound in the second inning wasn’t initially surprising, given how Tyler Glasnow’s outing was proceeding. He had walked four batters in a row in the first inning, then allowed three hits in the second, while his pitch count ballooned.
But Hurdle didn’t yank him. He didn’t cover his mouth, either. This was not a strategy session. It was an uncharacteristic move for the seventh-year Pirates manager, attempting to calm his 23-year-old pitcher who was up to his ears in baserunners and fighting his control.
Eventually Hurdle had to go back out, after another walk, and end Glasnow’s night early.