Only LA Angels starter Andrew Heaney even got through eight innings. Ausmus employed the opener strategy close to 30 times during the season with moderate success. He also would not let some starters go through an opposing team’s batting order twice. The numbers of some of the pitchers on the third time through a line-up backed up Ausmus strategy and for awhile it worked out more times than it didn’t. However, after the All-Star Break the Angels bullpen was gassed and they started coughing up runs and blowing leads left and right.
Enter new Angels manager Joe Maddon.