[Pelican]

I should pull some examples, but in my season it does not appear that these were the kind of “desperation” starts that can happen, as you say, when doubleheaders pile up or a team flat out runs out of fresh starters. I swear, my examples seem more like the AI is saying, “hey, let’s try this, and see if it works, even though it is totally counter-intuitive and not necessary for the team”.Just gratuitous starts for no good reason.

Tracking the relievers that are starting, I am not finding any pattern of these guys having started in the minors or having that profile. They are not long relievers or spot starters, what you would expect. Some of them are reallly good relievers who will be missed from their bullpens for several days after throwing 100 pitches. I only can hope that nobody gets hurt through this madness. And make sure contenders use healthy rested available starters from the rotation.