Pitching has become a nightmare for MLB teams this postseason. Injuries are stacking up, pitchers are falling short of expectations, and even wealthy teams like the Mets and Dodgers are relying on bullpen games deep into the playoffs. Gone are the days of workhorse starters lasting seven or eight innings—today, pulling a pitcher before the third time through the order feels mandatory.
The problem is amplified by a brutal season of injuries. Stars like Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Shane Bieber are sidelined, leaving teams scrambling for solutions. Even top-notch relievers are wilting under pressure, as this postseason has seen some of the most shocking bullpen meltdowns in recent memory.
As the playoffs wear on, it’s becoming clear: pitching depth is no longer a luxury—it’s a survival tactic.
