Bullpen Games in Baseball: What You Need to Know

Bullpen games are a part of baseball that often go overlooked. Learn what you need to know about them here.

What is a bullpen game?

In baseball, a bullpen game, also known as a piggyback game or tandem game, is when two pitchers team up for the start of a game. The pitchers work together for a set amount of time, usually four or five innings, before giving way to the other reliever to finish the game.

The use of piggyback starters has become more common in recent years as teams move away from traditional starting rotations and look for ways to keep their best pitchers fresh. While it is not unusual for teams to use six or seven relievers in a game, the use of two starters provides managers with a way to get their top arms more work while limiting their exposure to opposing hitters.

The concept of the bullpen game is similar to that of the relief pitcher, who comes into the game in relief of the starting pitcher. However, in a bullpen game, both pitchers are considered starters and are typically used in more high-leverage situations. For example, a team may use its top reliever to protect a lead in the late innings, while its second-best reliever works earlier in the game.

Bullpen games can be used in a variety of ways, but they are most commonly used when:
-A team’s starter is ineffective and needs to be removed from the game early;
-A team is playing from behind and needs to use its best relievers to mount a comeback;
-A team wants to limit the exposure of its best pitchers to opposing hitters.

While bullpen games have become more common in recent years, they are not without their critics. Some argue that piggybacking starters takes away from the competitive nature of the sport by making it less about who has the best pitcher on their staff and more about who can piece together a pitching staff with multiple good options.

Others argue that bullpen games are simply another way for teams to abuse pitchers by putting them into high-leverage situations without giving them proper rest between appearances. This can lead to injuries and shorten careers.

Bullpen games will likely continue to be used by major league teams as they look for ways to increase their chances of winning while also protecting their investment in pitching talent.

Why have bullpen games become more popular?

The popularity of bullpen games has exploded in recent years. But what are they, and why have they become so popular? A bullpen game is when a team uses multiple pitchers in a single game, typically to avoid using their ace starter or to match up against the opposing team’s lineup. Let’s take a more in-depth look.

Increased use of relief pitchers

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the use of relief pitchers in baseball. In fact, relief pitchers are now used in about 60% of all innings pitched in the major leagues. There are a number of reasons why this trend has developed.

One reason is that relief pitchers are often more effective than starting pitchers. This is because they specialize in throwing a certain type of pitch, such as a fastball or a slider. They also have fresher arms than starting pitchers, who often have to pitch through fatigue.

Another reason for the increased use of relief pitchers is that teams have become more analytical about how to use their pitching staffs. In the past, teams would often let their starting pitchers throw complete games, even if they were struggling. But now, teams are more likely to pull their starters when they get into trouble and turn to their bullpen to get the job done.

The increased use of relief pitchers has also been motivated by a desire to save money. Starting pitchers tend to be paid more than relief pitchers, so using more relief pitchers can help teams save on their payroll expenses.

Starting pitchers are pitching fewer innings

In baseball, a bullpen game is when a team uses multiple pitchers in one game instead of just one starting pitcher. This has become more popular in recent years as starting pitchers are pitching fewer innings.

There are a few reasons for this trend. One is that teams are more cautious with their pitchers, especially young ones, and don’t want to overwork them. Another reason is that bullpens have become more specialized, with each pitcher coming in to specifically face left-handed or right-handed hitters. This allows managers to get the best matchup for each batter.

Whatever the reason, bullpen games have become more common and are likely here to stay. So if you’re heading to the ballpark, be sure to check the starting pitching matchup before you go.

How do teams prepare for a bullpen game?

In a bullpen game, also called a “staff” game, each team uses all the pitchers in their bullpen. The game becomes a matchup of the bullpens, rather than the starting pitchers. This can be a strategic move by the manager, or it can be forced upon the team by circumstances. Let’s take a look at how teams prepare for a bullpen game.

Have a “long man” relief pitcher

One way to prepare for a bullpen game is to have a “long man” relief pitcher. This is a pitcher who can come into the game in the early innings and pitch multiple innings if necessary.

Another way to prepare for a bullpen game is to have several relief pitchers who can each pitch one or two innings. This gives the manager more flexibility in how he uses his pitchers.

The key to success in a bullpen game is to keep the other team from scoring runs. This can be done by pitching well, making good pitches, and getting outs.

Bullpen games can be won or lost in the late innings. It is important to have a good closer who can come into the game in the ninth inning and get three outs. This can be the difference between winning and losing.

Have multiple relief pitchers who can pitch multiple innings

In general, the best way to prepare for a bullpen game is to have multiple relief pitchers who can pitch multiple innings. This way, you can be sure that there will always be someone available to pitch, no matter how long the game goes.

Another important factor to consider is the order in which the pitchers will pitch. In most cases, it is best to have your best pitcher go first, followed by your second-best pitcher, and so on. This will ensure that your team has the best chance to win the game.

Lastly, it is important to make sure that all of your pitchers are well-rested before the game. Bullpen games can often be unpredictable and last for a long time, so it is important to make sure that your pitchers are fresh and ready to go.

What are the benefits of a bullpen game?

A bullpen game is when a team uses multiple pitchers in a single game, often to save the starter for another day or to protect a lead. By using multiple pitchers, the team can usually get more outs and have a better chance of winning the game. Let’s take a look at some more benefits of bullpen games.

Starting pitchers can be used in a more flexible role

While starting pitchers are typically used for anywhere from four to seven innings in a game, bullpen games allow managers to use them in a more flexible role. For example, a manager may choose to start a relief pitcher in the game, but then have the starter come in later in the game if the team is behind. This can help save the team’s best pitchers for when they’re most needed.

Another benefit of bullpen games is that they can help keep pitchers fresh. Since starters only have to pitch for a few innings, they’re not as likely to get tired and make mistakes. This can be especially helpful late in the season when pitchers are more likely to be fatigued.

Finally, bullpen games can also be used as a way to give young or inexperienced pitchers more experience. By starting them in a game and then bringing in veteran relievers later on, managers can ease them into major league action and see how they fare against big league hitters.

Relief pitchers can be used in a more specialized role

In a bullpen game, each team uses relief pitchers in a more specialized role. This can create an advantage for the team that is able to use its relief pitchers in the most effective way.

Relief pitchers usually specialize in one or two types of pitches, such as a fastball or a slider. They may also specialize in pitching to hitters who bat from one side of the plate or the other. By using relief pitchers in a more specialized role, teams can put them in situations where they are more likely to be successful.

Another benefit of a bullpen game is that it allows teams to use their best relief pitchers in high-leverage situations. In a traditional starting pitching rotation, the best pitcher may only pitch once every five games. In a bullpen game, the best pitcher can be used whenever he is needed, regardless of when his turn in the rotation would normally be.

Using relief pitchers in a more specialized role can also help to prevent injuries. Pitchers who only pitch once every five games are more likely to get injured than pitchers who pitch more often. By using relief pitchers more often, teams can keep their starting pitchers fresh and less likely to get injured.

Are there any drawbacks to bullpen games?

As a baseball fan, you’ve probably seen or heard about teams using “bullpen games” more often in recent years. But what exactly is a bullpen game? And are there any drawbacks to using this strategy? Let’s take a closer look.

There is less rest for relief pitchers

In baseball, a bullpen game, also sometimes referred to as a piggyback game or tandem game, is when two pitchers team up to start a game with each pitching a predetermined amount of innings. This is in contrast to the traditional model of one starting pitcher going as long as possible.

The main advantage of using a bullpen game is that it can help prevent overworking any one pitcher by spreading the workload around. It can also be used to exploit favorable matchups late in the game by bringing in a reliever who specializes in getting a particular batter out.

That said, there are some potential drawbacks to using bullpen games. One is that it can disrupt pitchers’ usual routines and make it more difficult for them to stay sharp and fresh throughout the season. Additionally, because relief pitchers typically don’t pitch as many innings as starters, they may not be as equipped to handle a larger workload if they’re asked to do so in a bullpen game. And finally, because there are more pitchers involved, bullpen games can often be less efficient and take longer to complete than traditional starts.

There is less time to make adjustments during the game

While bullpen games can be exciting and offer some strategic advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks that teams need to consider before going that route. One of the biggest downsides is that there is less time to make adjustments during the game. Because the pitchers are coming in and out so quickly, it can be difficult to diagnose problems and make the necessary changes.

Another issue is that bullpen games can put a lot of strain on the relief pitchers, who may not be used to pitching multiple innings on a regular basis. This can lead to fatigue and increased injury risk down the stretch.

Finally, teams need to have a deep enough stable of relief pitchers to make a bullpen game work. If there are only a few guys who are capable of throwing multiple innings, it becomes very risky to use them in this way.