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How Do Pitching Rotations Work? A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

Ever wondered how pitching rotations really work? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Figuring out who pitches and when can be a bit confusing, but it’s actually one of the most strategic parts of baseball. From starters to relievers, every role has its purpose and place in the game.

 

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about pitching rotations. So, grab your glove and let’s get into the basics of what keeps a team’s pitching staff running smoothly!

How Do Pitching Rotations Work

Starting Rotation 

The starting rotation is made up of the pitchers who start the game on the mound. These guys bring a mix of pitches to keep hitters guessing, and a solid starter can pitch deep into the game, helping the team save the bullpen for later.

 

Starting pitchers usually aim to cover several innings, often getting through at least five or six. They're responsible for setting the pace and keeping the other team’s hitters in check, often facing the same batters more than once.

 

A strong starter can really shape the game, giving the team a chance to take an early lead or stay competitive. It’s all about managing the rotation well so pitchers stay rested and ready to perform at their best.

Relief Pitchers - Relief pitchers come into the game after the starting pitcher. They are specialized in various roles, and their usage depends on different game scenarios.

Middle Relievers - Middle relievers are typically called upon during the middle innings of a game. They bridge the gap between the starting pitcher and the late-game relievers.

Long Relievers - Long relievers are tasked with pitching multiple innings, often in situations where the starting pitcher has been removed early due to poor performance or injury.

Specialists - Specialists are relief pitchers used to face specific batters. For example, a left-handed specialist might be brought in to face a dangerous left-handed hitter. Their role is highly situational.

Closers - Closers are the last line of defense in the pitching rotation. They're often the most dominant relievers, called upon to secure the final outs in a close game.

The Concept of Pitching Rotations 

The pitching rotation is a key part of baseball strategy, deciding which starting pitchers take the mound and when. The goal? To keep pitchers well-rested while still getting the most out of their abilities over the course of the season.

 

Most teams use a five-man rotation, with each starter pitching every fifth game. This gives pitchers four days of rest in between starts, which helps them recover and stay sharp during the long grind of the season.Teams have experimented with different setups, like four-man, six-man, or even the old-school three-man rotation. The choice often depends on team strategy, pitcher strength, and how packed the schedule is.

 

The four-man rotation, where starters pitched every fourth game, was popular in the past. But with only three days of rest, it led to concerns about fatigue and injuries, so teams shifted away from it.

A six-man rotation assigns six starting pitchers to the team, allowing five days of rest. Teams may favor this approach in condensed schedules or if pitchers have histories of injuries.


Finally, the three-man rotation, where pitchers had only two days of rest, has become a relic of the past. Teams discarded it because of the extreme physical strain it imposed on players, which led to the adoption of more sustainable rotational systems.

Constructing a Balanced Rotation 

Building a balanced pitching rotation requires careful consideration of various factors:

Pitching Styles: Mixing different pitching styles, such as power pitchers and finesse pitchers, can keep opponents off balance.

Lefty/Righty Balance: Having a mix of left-handed and right-handed pitchers can create favorable matchups against opposing lineups.

Experience Levels: Integrating seasoned veterans with younger talents can create a healthy dynamic and foster growth and learning within the team.

Injury History and Stamina: Understanding the physical limitations of pitchers and planning accordingly to avoid fatigue and potential injuries.

Rules and Regulations Surrounding Pitching Rotations 

In Major League Baseball (MLB), there are no formal rules governing pitching rotations, reflecting the highly strategic nature of the game. The rules for pitching rotations in MLB are indeed flexible, allowing individual teams to make their own choices regarding how they set up their rotation.


They can decide how many pitchers to carry and how to use them, whether it be in a traditional five-man rotation or something more customized to their particular needs and the unique strengths of their pitching staff. This flexibility allows teams to adapt their pitching strategy to various factors, such as the schedule's demands, injury concerns, and the specific opponents they are facing.

Five-Day Rotation: Most teams employ a five-day rotation for their starting pitchers, but this is not mandated by the rules. Teams are free to use four, six, or even more starters in their rotation.

Pitch Count Limits: While there's no strict rule on pitch counts, many teams implement limits to protect pitchers' arms, especially younger pitchers.

Disabled List Usage: If a pitcher is injured, teams can place them on the Injured List (IL), allowing them to bring up another player from their minor league system.

Adjustments and Considerations for Different Game Scenarios 

Game scenarios and specific situations can lead to adjustments in the pitching rotation. Here's how:

Double-Headers: Teams might need to call up extra pitchers for back-to-back games.

Playoffs: Teams often shorten their rotation in the postseason, relying more on their top starters.

Rainouts and Scheduling: Unexpected weather or scheduling changes can lead to alterations in the planned rotation, requiring careful management and strategic decision-making.

Rest Between Starts for Pitchers

Starting pitchers typically follow a five-day rotation in the MLB, pitching every fifth day. This allows four days of rest, during which pitchers will engage in different activities:

Day After Start: Often a light workout or rest day.

Middle Days: These might include bullpen sessions, strength training, and conditioning.

Day Before Next Start: Usually a lighter workout, focusing on mental preparation and final physical tuning.

Pitchers may have different routines, and they might adjust them based on individual needs and the team's schedule.

Balancing Act of Using Various Relievers 

Managing the bullpen and the various relievers is a complex balancing act:

Middle Relievers: Must be used judiciously to bridge the gap between the starter and late-inning relievers.

Long Relievers: Often called upon unexpectedly, requiring flexibility and readiness.

Specialists and Closers: Used in specific situations, and their usage must be carefully planned to avoid overuse.

Managers must consider the game situation, matchups, pitcher workload, and even long-term strategy when deciding which reliever to use when.

How Do Pitching Rotations Work - Historical Evolution 

In the early years of professional baseball, pitching rotations were anything but consistent. Teams would often experiment with different strategies, leading to numerous changes in how rotations functioned. This era of experimentation lasted for the first sixty-five years of the sport, reflecting the evolving understanding of pitcher management.


By the 1950s, a shift began to occur. A more standardized approach to pitching rotations started to take shape. This approach involved what became known as the four-man rotation, with starting pitchers expected to pitch every fourth game. This provided a more structured framework for the use of pitchers.


As the game continued to evolve, so did the strategies surrounding pitching rotations. The four-man rotation gradually transitioned to the five-man rotation, which is typically used in today's game. This change allowed for additional rest between starts, a critical factor in maintaining a pitcher's health and effectiveness over a long season.


The transition from a four-man to a five-man rotation illustrates how baseball continues to adapt and innovate. It highlights the ongoing search for the perfect balance between rest and performance, a delicate dance that defines the modern game.

Final Thoughts 

Understanding how do pitching rotations work in baseball adds a new layer of excitement to watching the sport. From starting pitchers to closers, and from the rules to injury prevention, there's a whole world of thought that goes into every game. Thanks for taking the time to dive into this exciting aspect of baseball with me!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What defines a pitching rotation?

A pitching rotation is the planned sequence of starting pitchers taking turns to start games, with the order determined by the team's manager to balance matchups and allow for rest.

How many pitchers are in a standard rotation?

A standard rotation in MLB typically consists of five pitchers, although this can vary depending on team strategy and schedule.

What's a 5-pitcher rotation?

A 5-pitcher rotation is a system where five starting pitchers rotate through the starting role, each typically pitching every fifth day.

Why is there a 100-pitch limit?

The 100-pitch limit is a general guideline to prevent pitcher fatigue and reduce injury risk, although it is not a strict rule and varies between pitchers and situations.

Do starters sit in the bullpen?

Starters usually stay out of the bullpen on their off days, but you might find them there on the day they are scheduled to pitch.

Why don't pitchers complete 9 innings anymore?

Pitchers often don't complete 9 innings due to strategies that utilize specialized relievers, pitch count guidelines, and efforts to reduce injury risks.

Do MLB pitchers practice daily?

MLB pitchers have a routine that includes various activities such as workouts, bullpen sessions, and rest days, but they do not necessarily pitch in full intensity every day.

Why do relievers often pitch only one inning?

Relievers often pitch one inning to maximize effectiveness in specific situations and to allow for usage in multiple consecutive games.

What is the Venditte rule about?

The Venditte rule, named after ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte, requires switch-pitchers to declare which hand they will use to pitch to a switch-hitter before an at-bat begins.