Power Hits Shake Top Relievers in 2024 MLB Playoffs
The 2024 MLB playoffs have become a testing ground for the league's premier relief pitchers, who are seeing an unusual pattern of vulnerability to big hits and home runs. This year's postseason has been marked by late-inning fireworks, challenging the reputation of even the most reliable arms.
Unexpected Blows
Raisel Iglesias, known for his dependable high-wire acts in relief for the Atlanta Braves, found himself at the mercy of the New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo on September 30. Prior to this game, Iglesias sported a stellar 1.72 ERA over 68 innings, with just three home runs allowed. Yet a decisive swing from Nimmo showcased the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball.
The Braves faced further hurdles when Francisco Lindor delivered a two-run homer in the ninth inning, escalating the pressure on Atlanta’s bullpen. Meanwhile, Edwin Díaz of the Mets also stumbled, yielding a crucial three-RBI double to Ozzie Albies in that same contest.
American League Fireworks
In the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Guardians felt the heat as their bullpen crumbled under pressure. Facing the New York Yankees, relievers Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase were pummeled with back-to-back home runs by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3. Clase, who had only allowed two home runs during the regular season, found the postseason to be a harsh proving ground.
On the Yankees' side, Luke Weaver gave up a crucial home run to the Guardians’ Jhonkensy Noel, just as the ninth inning promised a dramatic finish. The momentum-swapping continued into the tenth inning when Clay Holmes surrendered a walk-off home run to David Fry, sealing the dramatic victory for Cleveland.
Relievers Under Siege
Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Brewers' Devin Williams experienced a forgettable outing in the Wild Card Series, allowing a three-run homer to Pete Alonso in Game 3. The Philadelphia Phillies also watched as Phil Maton, along with fellow relievers Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, buckled under postseason pressure, conceding critical hits. Maton, in particular, fell victim to the Milwaukee Brewers' Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell, surrendering critical homers that shifted momentum against the Phillies.
José Buttó also found himself in the firing line during the playoffs, with the heavy-hitting duo of Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick going deep against him. The Yankees were not immune to such struggles, as Kris Bubic allowed Giancarlo Stanton to deliver a punishing home run in Game 3 of the ALDS.
Historic Home Run Rates
The postseason's penchant for late-game dramatics is perhaps best encapsulated by the record-tying 10 game-tying or go-ahead home runs struck in the eighth inning or later. This surge has brought the epic moments of past playoffs roaring into the present, thrilling fans while dealing crippling blows to tactical bullpen strategies.
Carlos Estévez, too, was caught in the storm when he surrendered a grand slam to the red-hot Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS, adding to the tally of astonishing slugging performances that have defined this year’s playoff landscape.
A New Challenge for Relievers
This year’s playoffs have underscored the volatility and pressure that relief pitchers face when the stakes are highest. What once seemed like solid leads can rapidly dissolve under the weight of postseason heroics and home-run barrages. The unpredictability is proving relentless, reminding teams and fans alike that in October, the game's last few innings are truly where legends are made and fortunes are lost.