The controversial use (or non-use) of pitchers on short rest in the current World Series begs a question. When using SP*s on 3 days rest, is that pitcher given a lower pitch count before fatigue sets in?
Without hard data in front of me, I sense that a couple of my SP*s seem to do better having an occasional 4th day of rest.
In other words, just because one CAN use a SP* on 3 days rest is it without cost to do so continuously? I think with the prior cumulative fatigue model (innings based) the answer was yes, but in the current cumulative fatigue model (suggested pitch count) the answer may in fact be no.
One reason it could be "no" is to reduce the chance of an SP* accumulating 20% more simulated innings than real innings over the course of a season.