Beacon Journal sports writer
CLEVELAND: The last two seasons, the Indians’ bullpen has been arguably the team’s most reliable strength. And no manager has gone to his relievers or leaned on their consistency more than Terry Francona.
Through the first month of this season, though, there’s been a glaring difference in the effectiveness of the bullpen from two years ago. It’s brought up questions of whether the Indians’ high usage of its relief pitchers the last two seasons has caught up with them.
It’s also warranted a great deal of frustration.
The Indians led the majors the last two seasons in total relief appearances (540 in 2013, 573 last year) and have been in the top 10 each year in innings pitched (ninth in 2013 with 516u2154 innings, fifth in 2014 with 513u2153 innings).