Looking for opinions...Here's the scenario.
My son is 17 months removed from Tommy John. He pitched a few innings last fall after 12 months. This spring, he's pitching in the regular rotation. Last night, he relieved for the first time coming into the game in the 5th inning. His first inning he went 24 pitches. Not very efficient even though he struck out the sides but walked one and hit one. The next inning the wheels fell off. He threw 44 pitches giving up 2 hits but walked a ton and hit two. His velocity was the best he's had ever but didn't have command.
After the 6th inning, he looked very tired. I thought no way he's going out for the 7th. When the scorekeeper told the coach the pitch count (68 pitches and 44 in last inning), the coach snapped back (yelled) that he didn't have a choice. I retorted that he has lots of choices but one is not sending this kid back out at the risk of another operation. That p*ssed him off big time. The logic given was that he's gone 85 pitches this season. The 85 pitches occurred over 7 innings..
The coach is now upset with me although I believe he's absolutely in the wrong. I'm upset not so much because of the event last night but now I can't trust it when I'm not there to intercede. He absolutely would have sent him out for the 7th if I were not there. I called him after the game but he did not return the voice message. Looking for opinions here. Let me know what you think about handling this going forward. Much appreciated!