I wouldn't have thought that sticky stuff would be such a big deal to a couple of guys who throw upwards of 100 MPH. You have to wonder how much is mental. Using Lugo was just another brainless move by Rojas. Fortunately he only threw 8 pitches, but of course it's obvious that they should have at least started with someone at the back end of the bullpen with a five run lead and a bullpen game coming up tonight. Rojas continues to exhibit no evidence that he is a competent manager.
I thought the same thing at first and then I just wanted to secure the win, so, I'm cool with it. In hindsight, he didn't have to work too hard.
Their pre and post-ban splits are so different that I have to think it's the sticky stuff. Also regarding Cole, he only turned into an ace when his spin rate spiked. And Chapman has never been the best at controlling his pitches, so the sticky stuff may have been what saved him from melting down.