Leverage and pitching changes
Inherited-runner leverage
Why a reliever entering with runners already aboard can face a larger task than the inning line eventually shows.
Why it matters
The highest-value work may be preventing existing runners from scoring rather than recording a clean inning from scratch.
What to watch
- Entry with runners in scoring position
- How many outs remain when the reliever enters
- Whether the first batter changes the entire run-expectancy state