October Playoff Gambles: Casey Mize Steps up for High-Stakes Bullpen Relief Duty

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Pitchers entering out of the bullpen experience a measurable adrenaline spike that alters pitch execution. Adrenaline pushes fastball velocity upward by an average of 1.2 to 1.8 mph, yet it frequently degrades command of off-speed pitches. A starting pitcher who usually works with pinpoint control can find his release point erratic when rushed into action with crowds screaming at full volume.

Pitcher ERA under pressure spikes when starters face inherited runners. Historical postseason tracking reveals that starting pitchers entering mid-inning allow roughly 36% of inherited runners to score, compared to 28% for dedicated high-leverage relievers. The difference comes down to routine: dedicated relievers know how to warm up in five minutes without losing the feel for their breaking pitches.

Mize must counter this issue through mechanical discipline. His four-seam fastball velocity sat at 95.4 mph during regular-season starts. In relief appearances, that mark can climb toward 97 mph, altering his tunneling relationship with his slider and splitter. If the fastball rides higher than expected, the splitter often misses below the zone, giving disciplined hitters an edge in hitter-friendly counts.