Part 7/10:
The cyclical nature of reliance on the bullpen—where starters fail to go deep into games, leading to excessive use of relievers—can cause significant breakdowns. Teams that employ strategies solely reliant on their bullpens without adequate support from starting pitchers are bound to experience diminishing returns, particularly when they lack offensive firepower.
Finding Balance: The Ideal Appearance Numbers
To maintain a productive bullpen without sacrificing performance, the ideal number of appearances sits between 65 and 70 over the regular season. This balance ensures pitchers remain fresh, allowing for heightened effectiveness while maintaining their role as key contributors. In the postseason, leveraging this stability is crucial.