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On the same evening that Royals All-Star Seth Lugo achieved 10 strikeouts across seven scoreless innings in the Bronx, a fellow first-time All-Star, Reynaldo López, a recently transitioned reliever, exited his game due to injury after just one inning.
The contrasting performances on Tuesday night highlight the closing weeks of a 2024 season marked by numerous successful shifts from bullpen roles to starting positions. A number of this year’s standout relievers who have transitioned to starters continue to navigate these uncharted innings as they thrive as key players for playoff hopefuls.
As October looms, the key question arises: how sustainable is this success?
For the Braves, the hope is that their uplifting narrative did not come to a halt on Tuesday night at Nationals Park.
Among pitchers who have logged at least 100 innings this year, none possess a lower ERA than López—a remarkable feat considering this is the 30-year-old veteran’s inaugural full season as a starter since 2020. He has already pitched nearly as many innings this season as he did in the last two seasons combined. Yet, despite a brief duration spent on the injured list last month due to forearm inflammation, he appeared unaffected and showed no signs of fatigue.
He bounced back with impressive force, achieving a 1.96 ERA along with 34 strikeouts in 23 innings over four starts prior to Tuesday night, which once again underscored that something was amiss.
Transitioning from reliever to starter necessitates a shift in mindset for hard-throwing pitchers like“`html
On Tuesday, for the first time, the switch was not available. López anticipated that his opening pitch of the evening would hit around 95 mph; however, it was recorded at 89. His subsequent fastballs registered at 90.6 and then 91.1. At that point, he could no longer reach for more velocity. He fought through a lengthy 25-pitch first inning to prevent the Nationals from scoring, yet his four-seamer was nearly 4 mph slower than his season average.
The reason for this decline was tightness in his shoulder. Although initial tests returned negative results, López was placed on the injured list on Wednesday. As the playoffs approach, his premature exit highlights the uncertainty that lies ahead for converted relievers throughout the league, as they venture deeper into uncharted territory.
While López’s performance raised concerns, Lugo’s outing was significantly more encouraging.
The 34-year-old All-Star from the Royals has emerged as a symbol and a driving force behind this year’s success of converted relievers, thanks to his successful transformation last season, though patience was key to reaching this milestone. For years, he endured the frustration of waiting.
After primarily serving as a starter during his initial two years in the majors, only 12 of Lugo’s last 239 appearances with the Mets were as a starter. Each offseason, he would monitor potential rotation openings, firmly believing he still had the capability to rejoin the starting lineup while preparing himself for an opportunity that did not materialize.
“I always thought, ‘If I perform well enough in the bullpen, I’ll earn another chance to start,'” Lugo shared with FOX Sports. ”Then, after putting together a couple of exceptional seasons, I was told, ‘You’re too valuable in the bullpen to start.’ I was like, ‘Wait a minute. That’s not what I want to hear.’”
It required a change of environment for him to find a team that had faith in his abilities.
When the Padres provided Lugo with the opportunity he craved last season, he seized it. The veteran right-hander made starting appearances in each of his 26 games in San Diego and logged 146.1 innings, the second highest on the team, which was nearly equal to the total innings he had pitched over the previous three seasons combined. He found the increased workload manageable; the only time he was placed on the injured list was due to a calf strain. He also realized“`html
made a similarly successful full-time transition from the bullpen to the rotation in San Diego. “Lugo’s like, ‘Forget that, I’m going to maintain a zero,’ and now that ERA keeps dropping.”
Lugo wrapped up last season with a 3.57 ERA, which helped him secure a two-year contract with an additional player option in Kansas City, where he has continued his upward trajectory. As of Wednesday, Lugo, who had never exceeded 150 innings in a season prior to this year, leads the majors in both innings pitched and innings per start. He is also tied for first in wins and ranks fifth in ERA among qualified starters.
This season, his impressive transformation may have paved the way for veteran relievers seeking a similar chance.
“I believe that not giving up on the idea of becoming a starter is the most challenging aspect,” Lugo remarked.
Lugo’s shift from reliever to starter is not exactly unprecedented. Last year, pitchers like Cole Ragans, Ronel Blanco, Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Littell, and King made similar transitions. In the 1980s, there was Charlie Hough, while the 1990s saw David Wells and Derek Lowe take on this path.
Notably, young Pedro Martínez made 67 appearances with the Dodgers in 1992 and 1993, largely in relief, before being traded to the Expos, where his Hall of Fame career launched. Johan Santana oscillated between roles for the first four years of his career before winning a Cy Young Award in his fifth year. In 2010 and 2011, all 79 of Sale’s appearances were out of the bullpen before he became a seven-time All-Star. Similarly, Adam Wainwright debuted in the majors at age 23 but didn’t start for the Cardinals until two years later. Even going back to the late 1950s, there was Hoyt Wilhelm, a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer who, after eight years as a reliever, led the majors with a 2.19 ERA in his first season primarily as a starter.
What is particularly notable about the 2024 season is the number of successful transitions. This year has been exceptional for converted relievers, as evidenced by the multiple All-Star starting pitchers who were in the bullpen just a season prior, including Garrett Crochet, Ragans, and López.
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Sox rotation from 2017 to 2020. He substantiated that belief with a league-leading ERA before experiencing a setback on Tuesday.
Despite the many positive stories this year, there are also cautionary tales that illustrate the risks when a pitcher pushes beyond their limits.
Jordan Hicks, who entered the league in 2018, had earned a reputation as a hard-throwing reliever with inconsistent command. Before this season, he had started just eight out of his 212 career appearances, but he was determined to seek starting opportunities once he became a free agent this offseason. San Francisco provided him that opportunity.
Initially, the Giants’ decision appeared wise.
By the end of April, Hicks boasted a 1.59 ERA, but that number steadily climbed thereafter. Although he still maintained a sub-3.50 ERA at the close of June, he had already surpassed his previous career high in innings, while his command started to falter and his fastball began to lose velocity. To mitigate his workload, the Giants endeavored to reduce his innings. In April, he managed three starts of at least six innings, allowing just one run across them. However, he would not exceed five innings in a start for the remainder of the year.
Following a five-run performance on July 11, Hicks acknowledged that his body was “feeling it a little bit more than in past seasons.” He would wake up feeling fine, but a few innings into a game, fatigue would set in. His legs felt heavy, making it difficult to reach back for the high 90s velocity when he needed it most. By late July, Hicks found himself back in the bullpen, where he continued to contribute effectively until he was placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation last month.
Transitioning from the bullpen to a starting role, while also approaching a career high in innings, lacks a definitive formula.
It’s simpler for teams like the White Sox to limit Crochet’s innings compared to playoff contenders like the Braves or the Padres who rely heavily on the contributions of López and King, both of whom have been crucial in providing stability to their pitching staffs.
Remarkably, King—who set a career high in innings more than two months ago—has only improved as the“`html
“I became hooked on the adrenaline that comes with stepping into relief roles during critical moments, when the crowd goes wild and the game is on the line,” King told FOX Sports. “However, I always envisioned myself as a starter, which likely played a part in persuading Aaron Boone to allow me to start last year because I believed I possessed a starter’s repertoire while in the bullpen. He often remarked, ‘You’re so valuable in the bullpen, so it’s challenging to move you out of it.’ I recall debating, ‘If you were to put Gerrit Cole in the bullpen, he’d be immensely valuable there too, making it difficult to take him out.’”
“I had the ability to pitch multiple innings because I could use four pitches effectively and induce swings and misses on all of them. I understand that, sure, I’m considered too valuable in the bullpen, but that’s precisely because you have a starter operating from the bullpen. Once I managed to break down his defenses a bit, I felt he began to understand my perspective.”
The Padres recognized this potential and made him the focal point of their trade with the Yankees for Juan Soto last offseason. Similarly to their approach with Lugo the previous year, they granted King the permanent starting role he hadn’t enjoyed on the East Coast. Between starts, King modified the way he trained his body to adapt to the increased demands of his new role.
“The day I pitch tends to be the easiest day for my body, except maybe for the day before,” King shared. “However, my first, second, and third days are all quite challenging because it’s crucial to maintain strength, whether it’s arm or overall body strength, and to ensure proper recovery. There’s so much involved in it.”
In a season where key starters Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove have collectively made 28 starts, King has achieved 27 of them. Among all qualified starters, he currently ranks ninth in ERA with an impressive 3.10 mark, showcasing his journey into uncharted territories.
After reaching a career-high of 104.2 innings pitched last year, King surpassed that figure in early July. The All-Star break provided a brief respite, but the Padres were willing to continue pushing him forward, uncertain of what the future may hold but ready to forge ahead.
“These days, pitching 175 innings is akin to being a workhorse,” remarked Padres manager Mike Shildt in June. “The relationship between pitchers who accumulate those innings versus those with limited innings—and the injury rates among them—remains unclear to me.”
Rather than sidelining him, the Padres kept a close watch on King after every start
to delve deeply into games when he is on form.
However, during this pivotal playoff push, the Padres continue to rely on him, and he is delivering results.
In the nine starts since he exceeded his previous career-high in innings, King has posted a 2.26 ERA. He has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts and has not been placed on the Injured List this season, despite already pitching more innings than in the last two years combined.
Similar to Lugo and López, King attributes his ability to limit damage to his experience as a reliever. This year, opponents are batting .223 against King and with runners in scoring position, that average drops to .187.
“I recognize that when I enter a critical moment, I can keep the score at zero,” King stated. “I am managing to get swings and misses because I’ve been in those high-pressure situations.”
Both King and Lugo are distinct from most relievers, who usually depend on one or two go-to pitches to navigate an outing. Their diverse pitching styles have facilitated their adaptation and allowed them to handle a lineup multiple times more effectively.
While King utilizes five different pitches, Lugo has nearly double that number. The Royals starter routinely adjusts his diverse pitch arsenal—something crucial for him, given he operates in the low 90s. Last season, Lugo introduced a sweeper and another breaking ball that he described as a blend between a curveball and a sweeper—Statcast categorized the pitch as a slurve—bringing his total to seven pitches. This year, he has focused more on refining his changeup and has also incorporated a cutter and splitter, now boasting nine distinct pitches to confound his opponents.
At 34, having transitioned back to the rotation a year prior, he is experiencing his first All-Star selection.
“When I was exclusively a reliever, teams and coaches encouraged me to reduce the number of pitches I threw,” Lugo recounted. “I insisted, ‘I need these pitches, especially when starting.’ They responded, ‘Oh
can sustain that success for the remainder of the year.
“I’m cheering for them as well,” Lugo mentioned. “Many relievers earn the label of being ‘failed starters.’ It’s great to see others succeeding. I hope that pitchers in the league aspiring to be starters don’t lose hope.”
Rowan Kavner is a writer covering MLB for FOX Sports. He previously reported on the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU graduate, Rowan was born in California, spent his childhood in Texas, and returned to the West Coast in 2014. You can follow him on Twitter at @RowanKavner.
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From Bullpen to Rotation: The Successful Transitions of MLB’s Converted Relievers in 2024
Understanding the Shift from Bullpen to Rotation
The transition from a relief pitcher to a starting pitcher is a journey many Major League Baseball (MLB) players undertake. This shift presents unique challenges and opportunities, as pitchers must adapt their approach, refine their skills, and often, change their mindset. In 2024, several players have successfully made this transition, showcasing their versatility and contributing significantly to their teams’ success.
Key Factors for Successful Transitions
To successfully transition from the bullpen to the rotation, pitchers typically focus on several critical aspects:
- Pitch Selection and Development: Starting pitchers often utilize a wider array of pitches than relievers. Developing a third pitch, for instance, can be crucial.
- Endurance Training: The ability to maintain performance over longer outings requires stamina and conditioning.
- Game Strategy: Starters must learn to manage game situations, understanding when to be aggressive and when to conserve energy.
- Mental Preparation: The mindset of a starter differs from that of a reliever, requiring a focus on long-term game management and adaptability.
Case Studies: Notable Transitions in 2024
Several MLB players have successfully transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation this season. Here are some notable examples:
1. John Doe - A Rising Star
John Doe, initially a reliever for the [Team Name], has excelled since joining the starting rotation. His journey showcases the importance of pitch development.
– **Pitch Mix**: He added a slider to his repertoire, which has become a pivotal part of his strategy.
– **Performance**: Doe’s ERA dropped from 4.20 as a reliever to 3.10 as a starter, demonstrating his effectiveness in a starting role.
2. Jane Smith – A Veteran’s Reinvention
After several years in the bullpen, Jane Smith took on a starting role with [Team Name] and has thrived.
– **Experience**: Leveraging her extensive experience, Smith has utilized her ability to read hitters effectively.
– **Impact**: With an average of 6.5 innings per start, Smith has been instrumental in stabilizing the team’s rotation.
3. Alex Johnson – Young and Talented
Young talent Alex Johnson made headlines this season as he transitioned from closing games to starting.
- **Adjustments**: Johnson focused on increasing his pitch count during practices to build endurance.
- **Results**: His strikeout rate improved significantly, rising from 8.0 K/9 as a reliever to 10.5 K/9 as a starter.
The Benefits of Transitioning from Bullpen to Rotation
The transition from bullpen to rotation can provide numerous benefits for pitchers, including:
- Increased Career Longevity: Starting pitchers often have longer careers than relievers, given the high turnover in relief roles.
- Greater Financial Rewards: Starting pitchers typically command higher salaries and longer contracts.
- Increased Visibility: Starters receive more media attention and fan engagement, enhancing their marketability.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Transitioners
For pitchers contemplating this transition, several practical strategies can facilitate their success:
1. Develop a Comprehensive Training Regimen
Focus on endurance-building exercises alongside pitch refinement. Incorporate long-toss sessions and bullpen drills to simulate game conditions.
2. Work Closely with Coaches
Regular communication with pitching coaches can provide tailored feedback and strategies for adjusting to the starting role.
3. Embrace a Strong Mental Game
Practicing visualization techniques and maintaining a positive mindset can help pitchers prepare for the challenges of starting.
First-Hand Experiences
Many players have shared their experiences transitioning from the bullpen to the rotation. Here are some insights:
Insights from John Doe
John Doe emphasized the importance of patience during his transition. “It’s a process that requires time and adaptability. I learned to trust my abilities and embraced the challenges.”
Jane Smith’s Journey
Jane Smith reflected on her mental shift: “I had to reframe how I approached each game. It’s no longer just about getting three outs; it’s about pacing myself for the entire game.”
Current Trends in MLB: Converted Relievers in 2024
As MLB evolves, the trend of converting relievers to starters is growing. Teams are increasingly recognizing the value of a versatile pitching staff, leading to innovative strategies in roster management.
Table: 2024 Top Converted Relievers
| Player | Previous Role | Current Role | ERA | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Reliever | Starter | 3.10 | 120 |
| Jane Smith | Reliever | Starter | 3.50 | 110 |
| Alex Johnson | Closer | Starter | 2.90 | 115 |
The Future of Pitching in MLB
As the 2024 season progresses, the trend of transitioning from bullpen roles to starting positions is expected to continue. Teams that invest in the development of their pitchers through comprehensive training and support will likely see significant rewards.
With the right mindset, training, and support, more MLB pitchers can successfully transition from the bullpen to the rotation, showcasing their skills on a larger stage and contributing to their teams’ successes.
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