Braves rookie pitcher Alex Wood temporarily stepped away from his bullpen role Tuesday to start the first game of a doubleheader against the Mets. Unfortunately, Wood found out, like many other major-league pitchers have, outdueling Mets ace Matt Harvey isn't an easy feat.
The left-hander lasted only three innings, allowing one run on two hits and three walks during a 4-3 loss. Wood (0-1) struck out five, but he was plagued by a high pitch count and a callous on his left hand. Wood needed 73 pitches (38 strikes) to make it through three innings. A callous plit on his index finger, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wood said he could have kept pitching, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said he pulled him because of the combination of high pitch count and the finger issue.
Wood was just a spot starter because of the doubleheader and is headed back to the bullpen.