A new team setting allows you to keep your bullpen fresher by adjusting to circumstances.
The new setting can found in Team Settings > Strategy > Balance Bullpen Use.
When disabled, the bullpen continues to be managed as it has in the past. It will first use a primary reliever until he has no available pitches, then switch to using the secondary for that same role. If neither is available it will draw the next best available primary reliever, followed by the secondary, and so it goes.
When enabled, the game manages your bullpen by balancing innings-pitched by role. The strategy looks like this:
- By default, the game uses your primary assigned reliever by role;
- However, if there is a difference of more than five innings pitched between the primary and secondary it will use the pitcher who has fewer innings pitched, assuming he has enough pitches available (15 available pitches are required to enter a game);
- If neither pitcher has enough available pitches, the game looks for the best available unassigned bullpen pitcher, followed by the secondary pitcher in any role with the fewest innings pitched;
- Pitchers in high use or overuse are always a choice of last resort.
Learn more about Pitcher High-Usage & Over-Usage
¶ Pros and Cons of Enabling
Balancing your bullpen use brings obvious benefits, but doesn't come without compromise.
Pros:
- Alleviates the risk of pitcher high use or overuse;
- Allows you to remain more hands-off in micromanaging your bullpen.
Cons:
- Exposes secondary/lesser pitchers to higher usage--which may result in some bumpy outcomes;
- Doesn't account for high-leverage situations, so you could wind up with a secondary reliever in a situation where you'd prefer the primary;
- Might not serve you well in post-season, where balancing use should not be a primary concern.