As a lifelong baseball fan, there’s something inherently magical about the role of the starting pitcher. From the moment the game begins, all eyes are on that lone figure standing on the mound, preparing to face the opposing lineup. The starting pitcher isn’t just another player on the field; they’re the heartbeat of the game, setting the pace, and often dictating the outcome. But in recent years, we’ve seen a shift in how teams approach their pitching strategy, with the rise of “openers” and a greater reliance on the bullpen. While this trend has its merits, it’s also led to a decline in the traditional role of the starting pitcher. Today’s article will take a deep dive from the fans perspective into a rule being discussed around the baseball world which would would require starting pitchers to throw at least six innings, with certain exceptions, to not only preserve the essence of the game but also to protect the health of these vital players.
One of the biggest concerns in modern baseball is the alarming rise in pitcher injuries, particularly those requiring Tommy John surgery. According to Jesse Rogers in his article a few days ago on ESPN.com the use of “openers” and the increasing reliance on bullpen arms have contributed to this trend. By asking pitchers to throw fewer innings, teams are inadvertently placing more stress on a larger number of pitchers. This can lead to overuse, as more pitchers are required to warm up and pitch in high-leverage situations more frequently. The result is a higher risk of injury across the board, which ultimately weakens teams and the quality of the game itself.
From a fan’s perspective, the idea of a starting pitcher being required to throw six innings is not just about preserving tradition; it’s about enhancing the overall experience of the game. Baseball is a sport that thrives on narrative, and there’s no greater storyline than watching a starting pitcher navigate through a lineup multiple times. The tension builds with each inning, as the pitcher adjusts to the hitters, and the hitters try to figure out the pitcher. This cat-and-mouse game is a fundamental aspect of what makes baseball so captivating. By encouraging starting pitchers to go deeper into games, we’re not only preserving this narrative but also giving fans more of what they love: the drama of a well-pitched game.
However, it’s important to recognize that not all pitchers are created equal, and there will be times when a starting pitcher simply doesn’t have it on a given day. This is where exceptions come into play. A rule requiring six innings should be flexible enough to account for situations where a pitcher is clearly struggling or dealing with an injury. Jesse Rogers is not the only one who reported on this in the last few days. Matt Snyder of CBS Sports also published an article about this and both of these esteemed sports reporters said there would be provisions allowing a manager to pull a pitcher early if they’ve allowed a certain number of runs or hits, or if they’ve thrown a high number of pitches in the early innings. This would protect the pitcher’s health while still maintaining the spirit of the rule.
One of the main arguments against requiring starting pitchers to throw six innings is the idea that modern analytics have shown that pitchers tend to be less effective the third time through the lineup. While this is a valid concern, it’s worth noting that not all pitchers are equally affected by this trend. Some pitchers are masters at making adjustments and can continue to dominate even after facing hitters multiple times. By setting a minimum inning requirement, we’re challenging pitchers to develop this skill, which can only make them better in the long run. It’s also worth considering that the current trend of pulling pitchers early might be contributing to the lack of stamina and durability we’re seeing in today’s pitchers. If pitchers are consistently asked to go deeper into games, they may develop the physical and mental toughness required to handle the demands of facing a lineup multiple times.
As fans, we want to see the best players on the field, and that means keeping our pitchers healthy. The rise in injuries, particularly those requiring Tommy John surgery, is a clear indication that something needs to change. By requiring starting pitchers to throw six innings, we’re not only protecting the health of these players but also improving the quality of the game. When a team’s best pitcher is sidelined due to injury, it diminishes the overall product and robs fans of the opportunity to see greatness in action. A six-inning requirement could help reduce the number of injuries by encouraging teams to develop pitchers who are capable of going deeper into games, rather than relying on a larger number of bullpen arms to cover the majority of innings.
The use of “openers”, where a relief pitcher starts the game and sometimes pitches only two outs while usually not throwing more than an inning before turning it over to the bullpen, is another trend that has gained popularity in recent years. While this strategy can be effective in certain situations, as a fan, it also feels like a departure from the essence of what makes baseball special. The starting pitcher is supposed to be the workhorse, the player who sets the tone for the entire game. By using an opener, teams are essentially saying that they don’t trust their starters to handle the job, which can be demoralizing for both the pitchers and the fans. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a starting pitcher work through the ups and downs of a game, and by requiring them to throw six innings, we’re preserving that experience for everyone involved.
It’s also important to consider the impact that the current trend of shorter starts and increased bullpen usage has on the pace of the game. Baseball has been grappling with the issue of pace of play for years, and while there’s no single solution, encouraging starting pitchers to go deeper into games could be part of the answer. When a game is constantly interrupted by pitching changes, it can disrupt the flow and make the game feel longer than it actually is. By allowing starting pitchers to work through six innings, we’re reducing the number of pitching changes and allowing the game to develop more naturally. This could lead to a more enjoyable experience for fans, both at the ballpark and watching at home.
Another consideration is the impact that a six-inning requirement could have on the development of young pitchers. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in how young pitchers are handled, with many teams placing strict limits on pitch counts and innings in an effort to protect their arms. While these precautions are understandable, they can also hinder the development of pitchers who might otherwise be capable of handling a heavier workload. By setting a six-inning minimum, we’re challenging young pitchers to build the stamina and durability needed to succeed at the major league level. This could lead to the development of more complete pitchers who are capable of going deep into games and leading their teams to victory.
Of course, there will always be exceptions to any rule, and it’s important that a six-inning requirement doesn’t become too rigid. There will be times when a pitcher simply doesn’t have it on a given day, and it would be unfair to force them to stay in the game if they’re clearly struggling. But by setting a general guideline of six innings, we’re sending a message that we value the role of the starting pitcher and want to see them succeed. We’re also encouraging teams to develop pitchers who are capable of handling the demands of a full game, rather than relying on a revolving door of relievers to get through nine innings.
In the end, baseball is a game of tradition, and the role of the starting pitcher is one of the most storied traditions in the sport. From Cy Young to Sandy Koufax to Pedro Martinez, the history of baseball is filled with legendary starting pitchers who have left an indelible mark on the game. By requiring starting pitchers to throw six innings, we’re not only preserving this tradition but also ensuring that the next generation of pitchers has the opportunity to leave their own mark. As fans, we want to see greatness on the field, and that means giving our pitchers the chance to rise to the occasion, even when the odds are against them.
Ultimately, the idea of requiring starting pitchers to throw six innings is about striking a balance between preserving the traditions of the game and protecting the health of the players. It’s about recognizing that the starting pitcher is more than just another player on the field; they’re a central figure in the narrative of the game. By encouraging pitchers to go deeper into games, we’re not only enhancing the fan experience but also ensuring that the game we love continues to thrive for generations to come.
With that… let’s stop using these “openers” and give our starting pitchers the chance to shine, and let’s preserve the essence of baseball in the process.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.