‘Bullpenning’ could be closer than we think

We know this: starting pitchers are throwing harder than ever. Because of this, and the limitations of the human body, it’s harder than ever to throw a lot of pitches.

This trend goes long before 1974. Long gone are the days where Cy Young started both games of a doubleheader.

“Bullpenning” is a term used to describe relievers taking the place of starters. Bullpen arms will often pitch two innings or fewer across the board, with around six to ten pitchers completing a nine-inning game.

The reason behind a bullpen game varies: it can be to work around a starting pitcher injury, to allow the rotation an extra day or rest, or simply to give the bullpen some work that starters may have taken away…