SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Significant rule changes in Major League Baseball over recent years have been credited with speeding up the pace of games and revitalizing the art of base stealing. However, another innovative approach might be necessary to restore starting pitchers to their former prominence. As of last season, only four pitchers, including Seattle’s Logan Gilbert and Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler, reached the 200-inning mark, a stark contrast to the 34 pitchers who achieved this in 2014.
In 2014, every MLB team received over 900 innings from their starting pitchers, with five surpassing 1,000 innings. Last year, however, just four teams had their starters go beyond 900 innings, with Seattle leading at 942 2/3. The decline in innings is a sobering reminder to fans who fondly recall legends like Bob Gibson and Jack Morris, who once dominated the mound for entire games.
Traditionally, part of baseball’s allure has been watching a pitcher repeatedly face a lineup. In the modern era, however, relief pitchers with powerful arms are more prevalent, raising questions about encouraging teams to allow their starters to pitch deeper. The dialogue turns towards rule changes as a potential solution, as noted by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers epitomized the current reliance on bullpens by limiting their starters to only six innings in just two of their 16 playoff games during their 2024 World Series journey. Conversely, Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers exemplified old-school endurance in 2023, delivering five strong starts as the Rangers captured the championship. Despite this, even Eovaldi acknowledges the evolution since his career’s inception in 2011, where deeper bullpens are a norm.
With discussions about limitations and possibilities ongoing, Giants manager Bob Melvin suggests implementing rules that essentially force starters to pitch longer. Bob Melvin, representing this sentiment, remarked on the challenge MLB faces in balancing the new norms while addressing the current situation. However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hints at a cautious approach, focusing on training methods and guidelines rather than dramatic rule changes for now.
One idea tested in the Atlantic League required starters to pitch five innings, or the team would lose its designated hitter, illustrating a bold possible rule change, though it might be unwelcome due to stars like Shohei Ohtani frequently occupying the DH role. Meanwhile, the majors are yet to announce any similar changes.
Managers like Bruce Bochy of the Texas Rangers appear open to experimenting in minor leagues to promote starting pitchers’ endurance. He reminisces about a time when starters naturally aimed to pitch deep into games, contrasting with today’s mindset. Echoing this, San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray believes starters can indeed handle increased innings, given proper training.
A report from December highlighted how increased velocity and maximum effort contribute to injuries and reduced innings. The study found a significant drop in starts lasting five or more innings across both major and minor leagues since 2005. Cleveland Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis recognizes the problem, emphasizing a need for revised training to support longer outings.
In a nod to past practices, last season showed signs of improvement with pitchers averaging more innings per start since 2018, and pitches per start the highest since 2019. Yet, the average pitches remain below those seen in the previous decade, highlighting the ongoing evolution.
Looking forward, the challenge involves finding ways for starters to handle more innings and alleviate the strain on bullpens. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy insists that sustainability lies in the ability of starters to manage more early innings, potentially relieving bullpen pressure.
Restoration of starter endurance seems inescapable as baseball evolves, and dialogue continues on strategies to adjust both training and rules, ensuring healthier and more robust pitching dynamics in the future.