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Cubs' Hammel on being pulled after 92 pitches: 'It's frustrating'

Benny Sieu / USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel tossed six innings of two-run ball to pick up his eighth win of the season in Friday's 7-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, but he was fuming after the game about manager Rick Renteria's decision to pull him early.

"It's frustrating," Hammel said about being removed after throwing 92 pitches. "I can understand maybe for a minor league guy, but we're here trying to win... I have no idea why I came out of the game but I honestly believe you learn how to pitch when you get to 100 pitches. If you're not allowed to reach that, I think it's hurting you more than helping. I guess it is what it is for right now."

Renteria was asked about the decision to give Hammel the hook and said it was to "not really get into any situation." Hammel believes the decision was coming from management.

Hammel's frustrations will add even more fuel to trade rumors involving the righty moving forward, and we can speculate Renteria made the decision to keep Hammel injury-free and fresh with the trade deadline looming.

The 31-year-old boasts a 2.98 ERA and will be a free agent in 2015.

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