Leverage and pitching changes
Times-through-the-order pressure
How repeated looks at a starting pitcher change the tradeoff between leaving him in and moving to the bullpen.
Why it matters
Familiarity, pitch count, lineup pocket, and bullpen quality combine to make the third or later look a decision point rather than a fixed rule.
What to watch
- The top of the order arriving for another look
- Pitch mix or command changing as the outing lengthens
- A manager acting before damage rather than after it