In the high-stakes, pressure-cooker environment of the 2024 MLB playoffs, elite relief pitchers, who are typically regarded as bastions of relief for their teams, are finding themselves in a precarious position. The narrative unfolding this postseason is marked by a recurring theme: top-tier relievers are unexpectedly vulnerable to big hits and home runs, leading to dramatic and game-altering moments.
Late-Inning Drama
The Atlanta Braves' Raisel Iglesias, known for his consistency throughout the season with a remarkable 1.72 ERA and only three home runs allowed over 68 innings, became a key figure in this postseason saga. On September 30, Iglesias gave up a pivotal home run to Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets, a moment that seemed to cast a shadow over his previously stellar performance.
Edwin Díaz, another formidable reliever for the Mets, faced a similar fate. On the same day, Díaz conceded a three-RBI double to Ozzie Albies, allowing the Braves to gain crucial momentum. Francisco Lindor added to the late-inning drama with a two-run homer against the Braves' bullpen, further highlighting the vulnerability of relief pitchers in these critical moments.
Cleveland's Struggles Against the Yankees
The Cleveland Guardians also faced their share of turbulence in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Pitchers Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase, who had been solid throughout the regular season, found themselves hit hard by the Yankees' powerhouse lineup. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton delivered a one-two punch with back-to-back home runs against Clase, a pitcher who, notably, only allowed two home runs during the regular season.
The Yankees' offensive prowess did not stop there. Luke Weaver was taken deep by Jhonkensy Noel in the ninth inning, underscoring the challenges faced by even the most reliable relievers. The Yankees' Clay Holmes also tasted defeat with a walk-off home run given up to David Fry in the tenth inning, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these playoffs.
Wild Card Surprises and NLDS Shocks
Meanwhile, in the Wild Card Series, Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers became a casualty of the postseason power surge, surrendering a three-run homer to Pete Alonso. The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen also struggled to contain the long ball, as Phil Maton gave up home runs to Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell, while relievers Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm found themselves vulnerable to critical hits.
In the broader landscape of the playoffs, the trend persisted. José Buttó yielded home runs to both Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick, demonstrating that no relief pitcher is immune to the pressures and uncertainties of postseason play. The Yankees' Kris Bubic also became part of this narrative by allowing a home run to Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3 of the ALDS.
The drama culminated in Game 4 of the NLDS, where the Los Angeles Dodgers' Carlos Estévez faced an almost insurmountable challenge, giving up a grand slam to Francisco Lindor. This explosive moment was just one instance of relievers allowing game-tying or go-ahead home runs in the eighth inning or later, a series of events that has equaled a postseason record of ten such instances.
A Postseason Defined by Surprises
The ongoing postseason is rapidly becoming synonymous with unexpected twists and game-changing swings. Relief pitchers, often the stalwarts of late-game stability, are finding themselves in the spotlight for reasons they would prefer to avoid. With each high-pressure outing, the narrative of vulnerability among top-tier relievers continues to build, reminding fans, analysts, and players alike that, in baseball, nothing can be taken for granted until the final pitch is thrown.