We have seen, over the last couple of years’ worth of postseason games, managers take out starting pitchers earlier and earlier. It’s become nearly an epidemic this year, especially with the Cubs: Just one Cubs starter, Kyle Hendricks in the very first game of this year’s postseason, has pitched in the seventh inning.
Why is this happening? Because teams are attempting to shorten games by acquiring multiple closers. Of the four teams still alive in this year’s postseason, two of them have done that to great effect, and a third has that option, though they haven’t had to use it — yet.