Part 3/9:
In stark contrast, today’s pitchers are often limited in their innings, significantly reducing their opportunities to become the stars of games. Key factors fueling this decline include changes in strategy that prioritize player health and the rise of effective relief pitchers, which has reshaped manager tactics on how and when to use their starters. Major League teams are fielding bullpens with elite relief pitchers capable of consistently delivering outstanding performances for shorter stints, ultimately diminishing the need for starting pitchers to throw deeper into games.