Shildt shared this year that “the game has evolved, we have more information now,” in reference to using key relievers in key moments, regardless of what inning those moments occur. And yes, the baseball save is like the fax machine of stats. But whether it’s via an innovative strategy or just old-fashioned comfort, here’s thinking that Jordan McKinley Hicks will pitch more ninth innings than his teammates do.
If the Cardinals are going to win meaningful baseball games, like they sure think they will, it’ll mean Hicks in the final-out picture in the paper. Catching the catcher is the coolest thing a pitcher can experience.