The Evolution of Starting Pitchers' Inning Limits and Its Impact on Clayton Kershaw

Baseball as we knew it has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely due to the rise of setup men and closers. In a game where every pitch matters, managers are now more cautious with their starting pitchers, often capping their innings at around 6-7. For a legend like Clayton Kershaw, this shift in strategy has raised questions about his performances and limitations. Why does Clayton Kershaw only pitch 6-7 innings now, when he could previously pitch 8-9 innings and dominate with just 3 runs given up?

Setting the Context: Modern Baseball and Relief Pitching

Modern baseball has embraced a more nuanced approach to pitching rotations. With the proliferation of advanced throwing programs, teams now have a wealth of talented pitchers at their disposal. In this landscape, the role of relievers has become more crucial than ever. Managers are increasingly preferential towards shortening starting pitcher's innings, often compromising the total game time to ensure that setup men and closers can take over effectively.

Traditionally, starting pitchers were expected to go deep into games, often pitching 7 or even 8 innings. However, with the availability of highly skilled relievers, managers are more willing to cap starting pitchers' innings at around 6-7. This approach ensures that the bullpen can be used effectively, maintaining the team's overall performance and minimizing the risk of starters getting worn down too early in the game.

The Case of Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, is not immune to this trend. For much of his career, Kershaw was known for his ability to dominate games well into the ninth inning. However, with the rise of setup men and closers, Kershaw's innings have been limited to 6-7. This change raises questions about his current performance and potential limitations.

Many fans and baseball experts wonder why Kershaw, who previously could pitch deep into games and keep the score low, is now only contributing for 6-7 innings. The answer lies in the strategic shift towards utilizing a robust bullpen.

The Impact of Velocity and Precision

Modernity in baseball has brought with it the emphasis on throwing velocity, with many starting and relievers pitching at 95 mph or more. While Kershaw's velocity has remained consistently high, the game's dynamics have changed, putting more emphasis on precision.

Despite his high velocity, Kershaw's precision is critical. When his throws are even slightly off the mark, hitters can capitalize, leading to runs. This is particularly evident when Kershaw faces later innings, where the stakes are higher and the lineup faces him twice. The increased scrutiny and the need for greater precision mean that even a slight miss can become a game-changer.

Managerial Strategy and Performance

The prevailing strategy in today's baseball is to rely on a well-coordinated bullpen to take over when starting pitchers reach the 6-7 inning mark. This approach not only ensures that starters can exit the game with their record intact but also gives the bullpen a chance to shine. If a starting pitcher can go 6 strong innings, a competent setup man can take over for 1-2 innings, and then the closer can come in to secure the victory.

This system minimizes the risk of overexerting starting pitchers and ensures that the bullpen remains fresh. It also allows managers to make tactical decisions based on the game's situation, such as allowing the bullpen to win games rather than relying solely on the starting pitcher.

Conclusion: A New Era for Starting Pitchers

The shift towards shorter starting pitching innings and the reliance on setup men and closers is a reflection of the evolving nature of baseball. Thriving in this new era requires not only the traditional skills of a great pitcher but also a strategic approach to game management.

Clayton Kershaw, while facing limitations in innings pitch, remains a formidable force on the mound. His ability to keep runs low even within a 6-7 inning framework presents a different challenge compared to his earlier career. As baseball continues to evolve, understanding these changes and their impact on players like Kershaw is crucial for any fan or baseball enthusiast.