The Atlanta Braves bounced back from a tough series against the Phillies with a victory versus the Rockies in the homestand opener last night. However, that was far from the biggest story as the Braves had to sweat out another tough injury update after yet another player was hit by a pitch.
Second baseman Whit Merrifield had to exit Tuesday's game after a scary HBP to the back of the head. Luckily for Merrfield the injury update was a positive one. However, that didn't stop him from going on quite tangent in the postgame interview about the lack of control from MLB pitchers.
“The guys are throwing as hard as they can and they don’t care where the ball goes. It is driving me nuts and I hate where the game is at right now with that.”
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 4, 2024
A frustrated Whit Merrifield discusses getting hit in the back of the head during tonight’s game⤵️ pic.twitter.com/qZpTFT8LwM
Braves' Merrifield says he hates where baseball is at after unnecessary HBP
Whit didn't hold back in his postgame comments. He starts by listing all the injuries the Braves have suffered including some that were the direct result of getting hit by pitches, which as we know is more than most teams could withstand. Merrifield followed by saying there is no consequences for pitchers who lack command and hit batters.
Merrfield said the game of baseball doesn't allow teams to retaliate on HBP's and pitchers don't have to hit anymore, so as a result there's no fear of hitting a guy when on the mound. Then he made a case about what happened to him in regards to young pitchers.
He claims organizations bring young pitchers up that only showcase velocity and have no idea where the ball is going. The pitcher who hit Merrifield, was 25 year-old Jeff Criswell who has just 8.2 innings at the Major League level under his belt.
Merrifield ended by pointing out he's on the rules committee, and finding a solution is going to be a point of emphasis for him and fellow position players. After a scary moment like that, we understand his frustration with this reoccurring problem. If there's any team and fanbase that can sympathize with Merrifield's comments, it's certainly the Braves.