4 Options for the Fifth Starter Role

“Bullpen Day”

Terry Francona tried something new Monday night, allowing Mike Clevinger to start the game against the Astros with the understanding that he would not pitch for long.

Eight pitchers ended up making an appearance, with Perci Garner having the longest outing at 2 2/3 innings.

The Indians lost the game 6-2, but that is just as much the fault of the offense as it is the pitching. The defense also allowed two costly errors, putting the pitchers at a greater disadvantage.

Some may not like this strategy, but it does go along with how teams pitch during the postseason. If a starter struggles in an elimination game, it is up to the bullpen to come in and get things back on track. This is just not a strategy often seen during the regular season, although it may become more popular once more teams do it and the results prove to be beneficial.

By using eight pitchers, and having one or two log over a complete inning, the relief pitchers get in a day of work while not burning out their arms for the next day.

Corey Kluber is next up in the rotation, so it is fair to assume that the bullpen will get some rest when he pitches. That proved true last night when he logged seven innings, even after allowing four early runs.

Next: Mike Clevinger