There is a strategic imperative here. During the pandemic seasons the number of innings pitched by pitchers dropped to close to 5 innings a start. It had been almost 6 innings as recent as 2014. The number of pitchers on a pitching staff grew to the point where the 14-man staff was widely prevalent, especially when we went to 26-man rosters (even a little when it was still 25).
I think starter length has rebounded a tiny bit this year, but the fact remains that starters are cumulatively pitching like 100 less innings per year and now we have outlawed that 14th man on the staff prior to September.
More innings, fewer relievers. Something has to give. Or we need to train more relievers to go 2 innings. That is MLB's intent I believe. That would lead to a little less velocity and more offense theoretically. It is either going to work or we will blow out even more hard-throwing bullpen arms who shouldn't really be going that second inning.
