MLB: Struggling Starters Who Would Thrive in the Bullpen
By Jason Reed
Transitioning from starting to relieving can reignite an MLB pitcher’s career, and some starters could benefit from this change as soon as next season.
Coming out of the 2016 MLB postseason, the bullpen seems more important than ever before. Closers coming in during the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings was absolutely unheard of until Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman, and Andrew Miller did it. Now more than ever the value of the bullpen is extremely high. During an offseason where elite closers are available, teams will be looking to bolster their bullpens.
One way to strengthen the bullpen is by transitioning struggling starters into middle and long relievers. Older guys like Joe Blanton and Vidal Nuno have reignited their careers with this transition. Younger guys like Ross Stripling and Mike Montgomery have benefited from bullpen experience to prepare for a future starting pitching role. Whatever the reason may be, both teams and pitchers can benefit from this change of pace.
No longer do guys have to stress themselves in starting games and lasting long enough to avoid burning too many arms. Instead, they can go out for a couple of innings at most and worry solely on pitching. It’s much easier to throw for more quality when you don’t have to focus on quantity. Also, the versatility of these moves are a huge plus because these bullpen guys can fill in for five or six innings if need be.
That leaves the question: which pitchers should make this transition heading into the 2017 season? There are some young arms and grizzled vets that can help not only themselves but their ball clubs. Some pitchers must swallow their pride and embrace the role of reliever. Entering the 2017 season, here are some struggling starting pitchers that should transition into the bullpen.