As the 2024 MLB playoffs unfold, a surprising pattern has emerged: some of the most reliable relief pitchers are being rocked by big hits and crucial home runs. The stage is set for high drama, and the long ball is proving to be the great equalizer.
Unexpected Vulnerability in the Bullpen
Among the standout moments from this postseason, Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves stands out prominently. With a stellar regular-season ERA of 1.72 over 68 innings and only three homers allowed, Iglesias seemed almost untouchable. Yet on September 30, his formidable facade cracked when he surrendered a pivotal home run to Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets.
The shockwaves of Iglesias' error were felt beyond the Braves. On the same day, Edwin Díaz of the Mets faced his own struggles, giving up a three-RBI double to Ozzie Albies, further highlighting the volatile nature of this postseason for even the most dependable relievers.
Power Hitting Affects Outcomes
The Atlanta Braves felt the sting of power hitting yet again as Francisco Lindor blasted a two-run homer in the ninth inning, showcasing that no lead is safe against today’s big hitters. Meanwhile, in the American League, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase was bombarded by the New York Yankees' sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, who hit back-to-back home runs in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Clase had exhibited rare vulnerability, allowing just two home runs during the entire regular season, and yet the Yankees capitalized on his misplaced pitches. The Guardians relievers Hunter Gaddis and Clase found their postseason dreams thwarted by the Yankees' offensive onslaught.
Yankees' hurler Luke Weaver similarly faltered, permitting a homer to Jhonkensy Noel with two outs in the ninth inning, while his teammate Clay Holmes was undone by a walk-off home run from David Fry in the tenth inning, leaving the team scratching their heads and searching for answers.
Crucial Blows Across the League
The National League was not immune to these developments. Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers succumbed to Pete Alonso’s three-run blast in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, bringing devastation to the Brewers’ postseason ambitions.
The Philadelphia Phillies witnessed their own bullpen shakeups with Phil Maton conceding homers to both Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell, in addition to Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm allowing significant hits that played pivotal roles in the outcomes of their contests.
Also noteworthy was José Buttó, whose struggles in the playoffs were exemplified by homers given up to Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick, moments that turned the tides of key games.
Setting Records and Breaking Hearts
The postseason has proven unkind to many a pitcher, with Kris Bubic of the Yankees allowing a home run to powerhouse Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3 of the ALDS. This moment became one of the postseason’s 10 game-tying or go-ahead home runs in the eighth inning or later, a number that matches the postseason record.
Adding to the Yankees’ misfortunes, Carlos Estévez allowed a grand slam to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS, a hit that underscored the explosive potential of late-inning matchups.
This year's postseason journey has illuminated a harsh light on the pitfalls that even the best relief pitchers can face when the stakes rise and the pressure mounts. With more action still to come, pitchers will need to recalibrate and strategize to regain their edge and neutralize opposing hitters in the ever-dynamic landscape of playoff baseball.