When Joe Maddon pulled Kyle Hendricks after 4 2/3 innings of work in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, he was relentlessly ridiculed. Maddon managed that game with a full bullpen, including Jon Lester at his disposal. Two years later, Maddon’s “unconventional” decision has not only become more acceptable, but it has become the norm. Playoff teams have become more adept at utilizing their bullpen earlier in games.
No team has embraced this methodology more than the National League Central champion and rival Milwaukee Brewers.
Bullpenning success
The Brewers have enjoyed a deep postseason run by using an innovative technique of continually relying on their bullpen.