MLBOct 10
White Sox Lean on Bullpen-Heavy Approach for ALDS Game 5
Unconventional pitching strategy carries Chicago into must-win situation against Cleveland
· 2 min read
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Unorthodox Plan in Action
The Chicago White Sox have built their season around a pitching approach that blurs lines between starters and relievers. Rather than relying on traditional starters to work deep into games, the team has used openers and quick hooks to keep fresh arms on the mound. This method helped them lead the league in opener usage during the regular season and produced four straight postseason wins where the first pitcher lasted four innings or fewer each time.
Postseason Workload Breakdown
Through the first rounds, Chicago pitchers listed as starters have thrown just 12⅔ innings while the bullpen has handled 41⅓ innings. One reliever has appeared in four games and recorded two saves. Another has logged a team-high 9⅓ innings across two outings. The strategy reached a new level after the team swept its wild-card series and took the first two games of the division series before dropping back-to-back contests at home.
Facing the Test in Cleveland
With the season on the line in Game 5 on Saturday night, the White Sox need the same group effort that produced their first playoff series victory in more than two decades. The approach depends on constant communication and full staff buy-in, allowing pitchers to stay ready for any role. Success so far has come against lineups that have not yet worn down the group, but the plan now faces its longest test yet.
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