USING AS STARTING PITCHER AND CLOSER

[amitdoc2b]

Hi. I am aware that a starting pitcher who is capable of relief requires atleast 1 day rest prior to starting a game. But how many days rest does the pitcher need to pitch in relief after starting a game (without tiring). Could someone please clarify these issues with me.

Thanks.

[Mean Dean]

A SP has to rest four days after he starts (three days if he has a * after his fatigue rating.)

[durantjerry]

Really, noone knows for sure. The safest thing to do is not to do it. I am currently using Escobar in similar relief/substitute starter(for Radke in hitting parks) role. In ATG, I had Pfeister(very good pitcher) not listed in my rotation due to match up starters and he accidently began relieving and was very effective. He ended up winning about 30 games. The problem is, when your guy bombs, you are not sure if it's just because he got hit or he was fatigued. Given that fatigue is an issue in this game and there are usuage limitations, I try to give guys in that role a relatively reasonable amount of rest, changing the settings to try to get them used as little as possible when not needed. I have had pitchers be effective on short rest though, but I don't think you should make a habit of it. Again, sorry, but I don't think there is a definitive answer. This answer is based on my 175 teans in nine different games experience. I rarely do this, as you really have to pay attention to usuage and I don't think you are going to get away with anything that would lead to greater success in the long run.