WASHINGTON — Cubs manager Joe Maddon protested Chicago’s 5-2 loss to the Nationals on Saturday night after twice coming out to complain about Washington closer Sean Doolittle’s delivery.
After eight solid innings by Stephen Strasburg, Doolittle pitched the ninth for his eighth save in nine chances, but Maddon thought he was using an illegal delivery. Maddon appeared to suggest the left-handed Doolittle was tapping his right toe on the ground before coming to the plate.
Cubs reliever Carl Edward Jr. was informed at the end of spring training that his delivery, which featured a similar toe-tap, was illegal - a ruling that miffed Maddon and the Cubs.