New York teams increasingly rely on bullpen for games

Fans of New York baseball should get ready for a summer filled with "Bullpen Ball" at both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. This year, many games will be decided by relief pitchers instead of starting ones. The trend comes from new analytics in baseball, which limit how long starting pitchers can throw. Currently, there are only 12 active pitchers in the league who average over six innings per start. This list includes top names like Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The Yankees recognize the importance of having a strong starting pitcher to reach the World Series. They made Cole the highest-paid pitcher in baseball in 2019, believing it would help them win championships. During the offseason, Yankees GM Brian Cashman focused on strengthening the pitching lineup. He secured Braves ace Max Fried with an eight-year, $218 million deal. Unfortunately, injuries have hit the Yankees hard. Key pitchers like Luis Gil are out until July, and Cole will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery. Now, Marcus Stroman may step up as the third starter, increasing reliance on relievers. On the other hand, Mets' president David Stearns has taken a different approach. After losing starting pitchers Luis Severino and Jose Quintana, he opted for short-term deals with pitchers like Clay Holmes. This strategy costs less, yet could affect pitching performance. With injuries and changes to their rotations, both teams face challenges ahead. The effectiveness of their bullpens will likely determine their success in the postseason. Fans will need to keep an eye on how these pitchers perform as the summer heat approaches.