💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did the White Sox start reliever Hagen Smith in the ALDS?
- A: The White Sox lacked reliable postseason starters and used Smith as an opener/bullpen starter to buy innings and exploit platoon advantages, a high-risk gamble born from rotation depth issues.
- Q: What does Hagen Smith’s start reveal about MLB postseason pitching?
- A: It exposes a league-wide crisis of starter durability and bullpen overuse, forcing teams to use unconventional roles in October when traditional aces are unavailable or ineffective.
- Q: Is starting a bullpen pitcher becoming a trend in the playoffs?
- A: Yes, opener strategies and bullpen games have grown as teams prioritize matchups over stamina, but Smith’s case shows the limits when the gamble is driven by necessity not design.