Relief Pitchers Struggle Under Playoff Pressure in 2024 MLB Postseason
The 2024 MLB playoffs have unfolded with unexpected challenges for some of the league's top relief pitchers. Known for their precision under pressure, these pitchers have been increasingly vulnerable to significant hits and home runs during critical postseason moments.
A Notable Pattern of Vulnerability
Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves, who maintained an impressive 1.72 ERA across 68 innings with only three home runs allowed in the regular season, found his reliability put to the test on September 30. He surrendered a crucial home run to Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets, underscoring a broader trend among elite relievers during this playoff season.
In the same game, Edwin Díaz of the Mets faced his own setback, allowing Ozzie Albies to drive in three runs with a double. Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor further capitalized against the Braves' bullpen, blasting a two-run homer in the ninth inning.
American League Championship Series Challenges
The Cleveland Guardians' bullpen also faced difficulties, notably during Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase, typically reliable arms, both struggled. Clase, who allowed just two home runs during the entirety of the regular season, conceded back-to-back homers to Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Not isolated to Clase, Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver was taken deep by Jhonkensy Noel, who smashed a home run with two outs in the ninth inning. Adding to the Yankees' woes, Clay Holmes was defeated by a walk-off home run courtesy of David Fry in extra innings.
Wild Card Series and Beyond
The Milwaukee Brewers also faced challenges in their Wild Card Series when their star closer, Devin Williams, was tagged by Pete Alonso for a three-run homer in Game 3. The Phillies' bullpen, too, has had its share of struggles, with Phil Maton giving up home runs to young talents like Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell.
Philadelphia's relief contingent, including Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, has had difficulty holding leads, allowing key hits that have swung momentum in several games. José Buttó, meanwhile, became another victim of opposing firepower, serving up home runs to both Jake Bauers and rising star Sal Frelick.
Record-Setting Home Runs
The current postseason has already equaled a remarkable record with 10 game-tying or go-ahead home runs hit in the eighth inning or later, demonstrating the intense competition and unpredictability of these matchups. On the Yankees' side, Kris Bubic found himself on the receiving end of a powerful homer from Giancarlo Stanton during Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
Completing the tableau of impactful home runs in the postseason, Carlos Estévez allowed a grand slam to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, underlining the repeated top-tier relief struggles.
This pattern of vulnerabilities among some of the game's best relief talents is creating a unique narrative in this year's playoffs. As high-stakes matchups continue to unfold, the question remains whether these elite arms can rebound and reinforce their reputations as the game's shutdown artists. Observers of the postseason will be watching closely to see if the pendulum swings back to the pitching dominance that has so often defined playoff success.