A New Pitch on Pitching: MLB Considers Alternatives to Extend Starter Appearances
The evolving landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitching has prompted Commissioner Rob Manfred to express reservations about imposing minimum inning requirements on starting pitchers. As the innings-per-start metric has dwindled from 6.3 innings in 1984 to just 5.2 innings in 2024, teams increasingly lean on their bullpen to navigate games, raising concerns about the sport's long-term pitching sustainability.
The Issue of Injuries
A major contributor to this shift is the rising prevalence of injuries among pitchers. Acknowledging the gravity of this issue, Manfred stated, "I do see both problems as pretty serious. I think the injury issue, our physicians have studied this carefully [and] they continue to believe that the focus on velocity and spin rate is a specific cause of the increase of injuries." This focus on high velocity and spin rate has not only altered the dynamic of pitching but also exacerbated health risks for those on the mound.
Rethinking Strategy
Despite these challenges, Commissioner Manfred is cautious about mandating inning requirements as a fix. He argues that such mandates are "just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem." Instead, he advocates for more nuanced solutions that incentivize teams to cultivate starters capable of maintaining control for extended periods. "I think it has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type," Manfred commented.
Adjusting roster and transaction rules is one idea under consideration. Currently, teams often cycle through pitchers rapidly to keep their lineups fresh—a practice that Manfred notes can be counterproductive. "One of the things that happens today, guy pitches three days in a row, he gets outrighted, they bring somebody else in to give him some rest, as opposed to him staying on the roster the whole time," he highlighted. By revisiting these practices, MLB could potentially encourage teams to announce a longer-term investment in their starting pitchers.
Impact Beyond the Field
The significance of starting pitchers extends beyond their performance on the mound, permeating marketing and broadcasting narratives. The presence of a starter in the game can enhance the storytelling aspect of the sport, drawing fans into the dynamics of each matchup. Concepts such as the "Double Hook," which links a team's designated hitter (DH) slot to the presence of their starting pitcher, underscore this narrative-driven aspect.
Looking to the Future
As the MLB Players Association's Collective Bargaining Agreement with the league expires in 2026, the discussion surrounding pitcher usage and health becomes even more pertinent. Navigating these changes requires balancing the evolution of baseball with preserving traditions that have long defined the sport.
Manfred's comments indicate a willingness to explore innovative approaches that can address current concerns while respecting the game's essence. As the league contemplates potential alterations to transaction and roster rules, the future of MLB pitching remains a captivating aspect of an already dynamic sport.