Starting line up not used by HAL

Heading into last series of season, tied for best record in 80's league. Brett top player in league: .386 ba, 40 HR, .442 obp, .678 slg, .1120 ops. I intentionally took him out of starting lineup so he wouldn't be injured heading into playoffs, inserting Ernest Riles at 3B. For some reason, HAL still started Brett, and of course he is injured in game 161 for 15 games!!! With the season Brett is having, he can almost single handedly carry a team in series. Brett's injury, along with some other unfortunate late injuries, has greatly reduced any chance my team has now in playoffs. I thought maybe I didn't save lineup, but this wasn't case. When I checked, the saved lineup with backups was listed.

Injuries are a part of strat, but it's frustrating when you have taken steps to eliminate the possibility by changing lineup, and the game just simply ignores your managerial decisions.

Has anyone else encountered this before. I have done this several times heading into playoffs with no issues. I reached out to Strat a few days ago, but haven't heard back from them yet.

HAL not using your lineup is horrible. And then to get a 15-game injury to the very player you were trying to protect is incredibly bad luck. A perfect storm.

Is there any chance you saved your lineup after the 10 p.m. EST deadline?

No, 100% certain saved before deadline

my sympathies

You mention that you also had additional injuries, other than Brett. Were any of the saved starters injured? If so, HAL will then pull other players in to start, Brett would likely be one of the first to get the call if needed.

I have found that there is usually SOME reason that HAL does what he does, even if it is not the best reason.