CLEVELAND — For a generation, he was synonymous with October, alongside fun-size Snickers and pumpkin-spice lattes. Andy Pettitte made 44 postseason starts, accumulating innings that no other pitcher can come close to, falling 50 behind. Each time he stepped onto the mound, Pettitte understood the high stakes.
“I was likely going to throw around 100 pitches, regardless of the circumstances,” Pettitte remarked late Friday in the familiar atmosphere of the New York Yankees’ clubhouse, poised for a pennant. “The game has simply changed now.”
This was exemplified in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, where the Yankees and Cleveland Guardians somehow managed to avoid overwhelming their pitching resources. Surgeons across the country must have been captivated by the Yankees’ 8-6 win.
A total of 14 pitchers contributed at Progressive Field, down from 15 in Game 3. This depletion has resulted in nail-biting late-inning moments in a series that has been considerably closer than its National League equivalent.
Despite their differences, both series share a noteworthy aspect: neither has featured a game in which both starting pitchers completed five innings. Moreover, nearly every reliever appears to be running on empty.
“The game is now built around bullpens,” stated Pettitte, who currently serves as a special advisor for the Yankees. “Teams rely on piecing it together, and that presents challenges. After being involved throughout the season, it’s evident how much the game has evolved since my playing days. It’s an entirely new style of baseball. Whether it’s advantageous or detrimental remains unclear, but teams are structured to handle it now. Back when I pitched, relievers weren’t conditioned for this.”
During the 1995 postseason, which marked Pettitte’s debut, there were 31 games where starting pitchers threw at least 100 pitches. By the time of his final postseason in 2012, that number had decreased to 29. This year, we have witnessed just two such instances, with Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Luis Severino of the New York Mets having reached that mark.
In the 2009 postseason alone, Andy Pettitte pitched 30 2/3 innings across five starts. (Photo: Jared Wickerham / Getty Images)
It would be more logical if relievers were exhibiting dominance. However, that hasn’t been the case this month; still, teams persist in trying to achieve their championship aspirations through bullpen strategies.
For Game 4 on Friday, the Yankees intended to give Luke Weaver a night off. He had participated in every postseason game and allowed David Fry’s walk-off home run in Game 3. Yet even without their top reliever — and with Tommy Kahnle stepping in and exclusively using changeups to secure the save while Weaver warmed up —
Up — the Yankees anticipated minimal work from starter Luis Gil.
Gil was as fresh as possible, having not taken the mound for nearly three weeks. He’s regarded as a top contender for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, but his September performance was merely decent, featuring a 4.00 ERA. Nonetheless, he managed to pitch at least five innings in all five of his starts.
Hence, it was surprising — even to Yankees manager Aaron Boone — to hear this statement after the game:
“What was significant was Luis getting us four innings,” Boone commented, acknowledging that it might sound insufficient. “I was really aiming for him to stay around 75 to 80 pitches. he threw 80 (actually, 79), probably even more than we typically prefer.”
This is mainly an educated guess, but it highlights the uncertainty surrounding every managerial decision concerning pitching from March to November: how long will each pitcher remain effective, considering their rest? Introduce the complexities of postseason play, where the competition intensifies and the stakes rise, and you see the challenge at hand.
Starters are not conditioned to pitch deep into games, particularly at this stage of a lengthy season. Moreover, the relievers aren’t just overworked; they are also more recognizable to hitters due to their frequent appearances.
“Players have been logging a lot of innings, so fatigue can set in,” Kahnle remarked, admitting he might need to throw a fastball or two next time. “Yet, I would assert that adrenaline plays a significant role in these games, so you often don’t realize how you feel until you exit.”
However, it becomes apparent in the lack of command. A fatigued pitcher can still throw with the same velocity, but their ability to consistently replicate mechanics declines, leading to mistakes in the strike zone.
“It’s late October,” stated Austin Hedges, the veteran catcher for the Guardians. “Everyone has been training since the offseason to prepare for a six-month season. While the objective is to win the World Series, only a select few teams make it this far, and it’s quite exhausting.
“History has shown that many pitchers who have thrown extensively in the playoffs return the following year and aren’t quite the same, simply because of that additional month, along with the pressure of each moment. So, that reality is indeed significant.”
However, it’s also a situation they must be ready to address. It seems that their team is facing a similar challenge. Although they possess a solid bullpen, their pitching performance isn’t aligning with their expectations.
Throughout the regular season, the Guardians’ bullpen boasted an impressive 2.57 ERA, the best by any team since the 2013 Kansas City Royals. Yet in the postseason, Cleveland’s relievers have displayed a more average performance, posting a 3.83 ERA. In contrast, the Yankees’ fatigued bullpen has performed better, with a 2.97 ERA.
Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase, who allowed only five earned runs during the regular season, has now given up eight runs in October alone. After failing to secure a save in Game 3 and losing Game 4, his ERA has risen to 10.29. Manager Stephen Vogt indicated that Clase’s challenges stemmed from issues with pitch location and a Yankees lineup that excels at drawing walks and exploiting mistakes.
“The Yankees excel in that aspect,” Vogt remarked. “They take a disciplined approach against opposing pitchers, waiting for faultless pitches, and they don’t hesitate to capitalize on them.”
Vogt’s observations hold true: the Yankees have delivered remarkable at-bats this postseason, with Gleyber Torres and Giancarlo Stanton playing as formidable as Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. In Game 3, it was Judge and Stanton who homered off Clase, while on Friday, it was Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe, Alex Verdugo, and Torres who found success with singles and softer hits.
Cleveland has managed to get 15 outs from a starting pitcher just once this postseason; that instance involved Matthew Boyd, who allowed only one run over five innings against the Yankees in Game 3. Tanner Bibee, who is considered the ace, pitched a mere 39 pitches on Tuesday, resulting in such a brief outing that he is set to start on short rest for Game 5 on Saturday.
“Our bullpen has been the strength of our team all year; we’re going to rely on it,” stated Shane Bieber, the former Cy Young Award winner who underwent Tommy John surgery after just two starts this season. “It seems most teams are following this strategy, as situations can shift quickly and runs become valuable. While starters can generally pitch deeper into games, the high stakes often lead to a shorter leash.”
It’s commendable for the Guardians to have progressed this far despite the absence of their top starter. Boyd’s signing proved to be a wise decision — a significant advantage for the team.
A veteran returning with a newly rehabilitated arm after undergoing Tommy John surgery — however, the team has a lack of faith in their starters’ ability to pitch deep into games.
This strategy proved successful during the regular season, enabling Cleveland to advance past the heavily bullpen-reliant Detroit Tigers in the division series. Yet now, with the summit within reach, the team seems to be struggling.
“I mean, everyone is exhausted,” Vogt expressed. “We’ve heavily relied on them. We’ve had no choice. It’s part of our identity.”
The Guardians have one more opportunity to succeed with this approach. It’s not an easy existence, and they are not alone in this predicament.
(Photo of starter Gavin Williams exiting the game: Jason Miller / Getty Images)
Shifting Strategies: How the Modern Bullpen Revolution is Redefining October Baseball
Understanding the Bullpen Revolution in October Baseball
In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), the bullpen has undergone a significant transformation, especially during the high-stakes months of October. The traditional model of starting pitchers lasting deep into games has been replaced by innovative strategies that leverage the bullpen’s potential. This modern approach not only enhances team performance but also adds excitement to postseason play.
The Role of the Bullpen in the Modern Game
The bullpen is no longer just a group of pitchers waiting for their turn; it has become a dynamic unit essential for a team’s success during the postseason. Key aspects of the modern bullpen revolution include:
– **Strategic Matchups**: Managers are increasingly using pitchers based on matchups rather than relying solely on a designated closer or starter.
– **Specialization**: Relief pitchers are often tailored for specific roles, such as left-handed specialists or high-strikeout arms.
- **Frequent Usage**: The frequency of pitching changes has risen, allowing teams to maximize their players’ strengths against opposing batters.
The Impact of Advanced Analytics
With the rise of advanced analytics, teams are better equipped to make informed decisions about their pitching strategies. Key metrics influencing bullpen usage include:
– **Exit Velocity**: Analyzing how hard hitters make contact can help identify favorable matchups for specific pitchers.
– **Pitch Mix**: Understanding a pitcher’s effectiveness against different types of batters allows managers to optimize their bullpen’s configuration.
– **Injury Prevention**: Analytics also assist in managing pitcher workloads to reduce the risk of injury, ensuring that top arms are available in crucial moments.
Benefits of the Bullpen Revolution
The modern bullpen revolution brings several benefits to teams competing in October. These include:
– **Increased Flexibility**: Managers can adapt their strategies based on game situations, often leading to unexpected outcomes.
– **Enhanced Performance**: Bullpen pitchers, often throwing at higher velocities and with more strikeout capability, can turn tight games in favor of their teams.
– **Depth and Freshness**: Utilizing a deep bullpen ensures that teams can deploy fresh arms, which can be crucial in a long postseason series.
Practical Tips for Teams Embracing the Bullpen Philosophy
For teams looking to leverage the modern bullpen revolution, consider these practical tips:
1. **Invest in Scouting and Analytics**: Prioritize hiring analysts and scouts who specialize in evaluating bullpen pitchers.
2. **Diversify Pitcher Roles**: Create specialized roles for pitchers, allowing them to thrive in situations that suit their strengths.
3. **Implement In-Game Adjustments**: Encourage managers to make real-time decisions based on game flow and analytics rather than sticking to pre-determined plans.
4. **Emphasize Health Management**: Monitor pitcher workloads closely to maintain health and performance throughout the postseason.
Case Studies: Successful Bullpen Strategies in October
Several teams have embraced the bullpen revolution and reaped the rewards during the postseason. Here are notable examples:
1. Kansas City Royals (2014-2015)
The Royals’ bullpen was a game-changer in their back-to-back World Series appearances. With pitchers like Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera, and Greg Holland, the Royals often turned to their ”3-headed monster” late in games, emphasizing matchups and late-inning strength.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (2020)
In the 2020 postseason, the Dodgers showcased how a deep bullpen can alter a series. By faithfully deploying pitchers based on situational advantages, they limited opposing offenses and ultimately won the World Series.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (2020)
The Rays took the bullpen revolution to new heights by employing an “opener” strategy, using a relief pitcher to start games. This approach allowed them to maximize matchups and maintain a strong defensive presence throughout the game.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Many players have shared their thoughts on the modern bullpen revolution, highlighting its impact on gameplay and strategy. Here are a few insights:
– **Relief Pitcher Perspectives**: Many relief pitchers appreciate the specialization allowed by modern strategies. “Knowing that I’ll face certain hitters helps me focus on my strengths,” says one anonymous reliever.
– **Starting Pitcher Adaptations**: Starters are also adapting to the new norms. “I’ve had to learn how to manage my innings knowing I might not go as deep into the game,” states a prominent MLB starter.
Challenges of the Bullpen Revolution
While the bullpen revolution offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges:
– **Inexperienced Pitchers**: Relying on untested bullpen pitchers in high-stakes situations can backfire.
– **Over-Reliance on Analytics**: Managers may become overly dependent on data, ignoring gut feelings or traditional wisdom.
– **Managing Personalities**: The shift in roles for certain pitchers can lead to discontent or conflict within the team.
Future Trends in October Baseball
As we look toward the future of October baseball, some trends are likely to shape the continuing evolution of the bullpen:
– **Increased Usage of Two-Way Players**: Players like Shohei Ohtani are paving the way for versatile athletes who can pitch and hit effectively.
– **Technological Innovations**: Advances in training and recovery technology will further optimize pitcher performance.
– **Global Scouting Networks**: With access to international talent, teams will continue to enrich their bullpens with diverse skill sets.
Table: Bullpen Usage Trends in October
| Year | Teams Utilizing Bullpen by 7th Inning | Average Innings Pitched by Bullpen |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 12 | 3.2 |
| 2018 | 18 | 4.5 |
| 2021 | 25 | 5.1 |
Conclusion: Embracing the Bullpen Revolution
The modern bullpen revolution is proving to be a game-changer for teams navigating the high-pressure environment of October baseball. By understanding the dynamics of this shift, teams can better position themselves for success in the postseason, leveraging analytics, matchups, and innovative strategies to redefine how the game is played. Embracing this revolution can ultimately lead to more exciting, competitive, and unpredictable playoff action.
