The modern game of baseball offers much to appreciate, but one aspect that has become increasingly glaring in recent years is the decline of the workhorse starting pitcher. This mainstay of the game, the pitcher who could consistently go deep into games, has largely fallen by the wayside.
While there are undoubtedly reasons for this shift, including the rash of injuries among pitchers, it remains a sad reality for those who cherish the spectacle of a pitcher dominating a game for multiple innings. In the past, it was not uncommon for starting pitchers to throw complete games, or even shutouts. Today, even getting into the eighth inning is a rarity.
Just a few weeks into the 2024 season, there have been only 13 instances of a starter going at least 7 1/3 innings. The Phillies, who had four of those outings last week, stand out as an exception to the norm. However, their success came against weaker opponents, casting a slight shadow over their achievements.
Looking back at the history of baseball, the decline of the complete game is evident. A century ago, nearly half of all teams averaged seven innings per start. Today, we are likely to end up with zero teams reaching even six innings per start. The last time a team averaged six innings per start over a full season was in 2018.
The use of openers, the prevalence of injuries, and the reluctance to let lesser starters face an opposing lineup a third time have all contributed to this decline. While these factors may be understandable, they cannot fully quell the nostalgia for the days when workhorse pitchers were the backbone of baseball.
The excitement generated by a starting pitcher working deep into a game, grinding out outs in the late innings, is a feeling that has become increasingly rare. The occasional outing like Ranger Suárez’s complete game brings a bittersweet mix of joy and sadness, a reminder of what once was and a longing for what could be again.
