In the ever-evolving landscape of baseball, bullpen roles have transformed dramatically, and the Milwaukee Brewers are leading the charge with their innovative approach. Gone are the days of rigid bullpen assignments, where setup men and closers had clearly defined innings. Instead, the Brewers have embraced the value of the multi-inning reliever, understanding its crucial role in stabilizing games when starters exit early.
This isn’t a trendy experiment akin to the Rays' opener strategy. It's a practical solution to a modern problem: starters simply don’t last as long as they used to.
With pitch counts climbing and injuries ever-present, the Brewers have crafted bullpens that not only survive but thrive when a starter leaves in the fifth inning. Their secret weapon?
The reliever who can bridge the gap in the sixth and seventh innings, turning potential chaos into calm.
Consider the Brewers’ approach over recent seasons. Whether it’s a converted starter or a versatile swingman, Milwaukee consistently finds ways to extract multiple innings from pitchers who might be limited to single frames elsewhere. When a starter exits early, it’s not a scramble; it’s a strategic bridge.
While much attention is given to closers and their dramatic high-leverage outs, the Brewers recognize that the true turning points often come earlier. The sixth inning with two on and one out can be more crucial than a clean ninth. Milwaukee isn’t afraid to let their top non-closer arms handle these pressure-packed moments, showcasing a form of targeted aggression that’s anything but traditional long relief.
This strategy not only maximizes effectiveness but also protects the bullpen. A reliever providing 2 1/3 clean innings on 28 pitches means two other arms can rest, preserving their strength over a grueling 162-game season. This isn’t accidental; it’s a deliberate part of the Brewers’ identity.
Milwaukee may not boast the deepest rotation or dive into top-tier free agency for innings-eating aces, often trading stars like Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta before they hit free agency. Instead, they build depth with flexibility, utilizing pitchers with starter backgrounds who can seamlessly transition to relief roles when needed.
The Brewers excel at identifying pitchers with standout traits-whether it’s a fastball with unique movement or a breaking ball with elite spin-and maximizing those strengths. By allowing these pitchers to extend beyond a single inning, they turn potential liabilities into assets, often transforming the middle innings into a strength rather than a vulnerability.
This approach might not fill the save column, but it certainly impacts win expectancy, series outcomes, and the freshness of key relievers in September. Players like Aaron Ashby and Jared Koenig exemplify this strategy, having filled crucial roles throughout 2025.
While the Brewers aren’t the only team employing multi-inning relievers, they’ve turned it into a consistent strategy rather than a fallback plan. When early-game challenges arise, they respond with purpose and poise, patching the game together seamlessly.
In a competitive division, where every game counts, this adaptability is vital. The art of the multi-inning reliever may not be glamorous, but it’s a cornerstone of why the Brewers remain competitive, even when games seem to tilt against them. They don’t just focus on the final outs; they control the pivotal middle innings, often where games are truly decided.