Andrew McCutchen’s Benching And The Rules Of Hustle

Manager Clint Hurdle said McCutchen would be available in a pinch-hitting capacity and called the benching a “manager’s decision.“There weren’t a lot of histrionics -- just an internal matter handled quietly. In response, McCutchen did what anyone with his powers would do: He changed the weather and forced a rain-out. Dude’s that good.

If there’s a hierarchy of non-hustle, not running out a dropped third strike is among the least egregious transgressions. You swing, you miss, and frustrated you head back to the dugout. Here’s what McCutchen did:

It’s hard to defend that, really, but you can sort of understand it. McCutchen was annoyed at the second strike call, and then especially annoyed at himself for swinging at a slider in the dirt. The ball didn’t get away that far, and after a player turns toward the dugout, he looks especially foolish when he makes a half-hearted attempt towards first after the catcher has the ball.

Still, you have to run. And Hurdle meted out the right punishment -- not enough to create a rift, but just enough to say “I don’t care if you’re the future of the franchise. Run that out.” Everyone’s probably ready to move on.

So because nobody asked, my list of non-hustling offenses, from least offensive to most offensive:

That last one makes you a lollygagger, you know.

McCutchen is a little chagrined, and he learned a little something. A minor transgression from a major talent, and everyone will forget about it by the time Thursday’s rain-out is made up.