Hinch put Jobe back into the game primarily to demonstrate unwavering faith in the young pitcher and to reinforce his confidence, despite previous outcomes.
Manager A.J. Hinch's decision to reinsert Jobe was a deliberate move to support the rookie and affirm his belief in Jobe's capabilities. This strategic choice was multifaceted, aiming to:
Reinforce Confidence and Trust
- Show Unwavering Faith: Hinch explicitly stated his intention was to let Jobe know that he had not lost faith in him. This was a crucial message for a young player, especially after any challenging outings.
- Acknowledge Performance: Hinch communicated directly to Jobe that he believed Jobe had performed "tremendously well." This positive feedback was intended to build Jobe's self-assurance.
- Boost Managerial Confidence: Beyond simply supporting Jobe, Hinch's own confidence in the pitcher was strengthened. He felt that Jobe's previous performance actually gave him more assurance that Jobe could handle the pressure.
- Assess Resilience: Hinch noted that Jobe "didn't even get hit hard" in his prior appearance, suggesting that any perceived struggles were not due to being effectively hit. This analysis likely contributed to Hinch's belief in Jobe's underlying ability and resilience.
By putting Jobe back in, Hinch was not only giving the pitcher another opportunity but also sending a strong message of encouragement and trust, essential for a rookie's development and long-term performance.
