Mike Minor wanted to go back out for the fifth, but wasn’t permitted.

In his previous start against the Athletics, Mike Minor saw his fastball velocity drop into the 80’s. After throwing four scoreless innings in a 4-2 win against the Mariners, the southpaw was pulled out of the game by manager Chris Woodward. And even then, he had to talk Woodward out of limiting him to just three innings.

“I felt like it was because maybe some of the guys in the bullpen were going up and down,” said Minor. “They’re trying to protect me and all that, and have me build off of that outing. But as a starter, I don’t ever wanna go out there and throw three or four innings. No matter what the circumstances are,”

Minor picked up four strikeouts, while walking three; and allowing just one hit. Still looking for his first win of the season, the 2019 all star wanted the ball for another inning. Although Minor stated his body felt better than his previous two starts, Woodward chose to protect the sole lefty of the rotation.

“I tried to go back out there for the fifth,” said Minor. “Just cause I felt fine, the velo was still fine. They agreed, but it was more I guess just precautionary.”