Relievers Struggle in 2024 MLB Postseason as Big Hits Cause Upsets
The 2024 MLB playoffs have exposed a critical vulnerability among some of baseball's elite relief pitchers, as they've been repeatedly caught off guard by well-timed big hits and home runs. With a flurry of pivotal moments, the postseason narrative has been dominated by unexpected events that have left fans in awe and teams reeling.
Among those facing setbacks is Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves, who surrendered a crucial home run to Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets on September 30. This was an uncharacteristic blip for Iglesias, who had previously maintained an impressive 1.72 ERA over 68 innings, allowing just three home runs in the regular season. But on that fateful day, his fortunes took a turn.
Echoing Iglesias' struggles, Mets closer Edwin Díaz struggled to maintain control when he conceded a three-RBI double to Ozzie Albies. The pressure of the postseason can magnify even the smallest mistakes, and both Iglesias and Díaz found this out the hard way. Francisco Lindor added to the Braves' woes with a two-run homer off their bullpen in the ninth inning, compounding their difficulties.
In the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Guardians faced their own challenges against the New York Yankees. Game 3 was particularly brutal, as a duo of home runs from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton off Emmanuel Clase turned the tide against the Guardians' pitcher. Clase, who was known for his resilience during the regular season, allowing only two home runs, found himself overpowered in a high-stakes situation.
The Yankees displayed their hitting might once again when Jhonkensy Noel hit a home run off Luke Weaver, and the narrative repeated itself as David Fry delivered a walk-off home run against Clay Holmes, sealing a stunning defeat for New York.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Milwaukee Brewers' Devin Williams faced off against the power of Pete Alonso, giving up a three-run homer in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series. Such moments underline a recurring theme: the surprising susceptibility of relievers during the pivotal stage of the postseason.
Phil Maton of the Philadelphia Phillies contributed to the litany of pitching woes by surrendering home runs to Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell. The Phillies' bullpen woes were compounded as Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm also conceded significant hits that shifted momentum against the team.
The playoff intensity also saw José Buttó allow crucial home runs to Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick. Kris Bubic found himself in a similar situation, yielding a home run to Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3 of the ALDS, revealing even the most composed pitchers can fall prey to postseason pressure.
As the playoffs have unfolded, an astonishing ten game-tying or go-ahead home runs in the eighth inning or later have been recorded, matching a postseason record. This statistic emphasizes just how unpredictable and thrilling this season has become for fans and analysts alike.
In another dramatic twist, Carlos Estévez suffered a misstep, allowing a grand slam to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS. Such incidents have highlighted the fragile nature of playoff baseball — a single pitch can drastically alter team destinies, etching memorable moments into the annals of MLB history.
As the playoffs continue, the resilience and grit of top-tier relief pitchers will be tested like never before. With teams honing in on strategies to capitalize on any chink in the opposition's armor, the upcoming games promise to deliver even more drama. The 2024 postseason will be remembered not only for its exhilarating performances but also for the stark reminder that in baseball, the game is never over until the final out is made.