Even before the Indians played two straight 13-inning games, their bullpen was being taxed after being swept last weekend by the Athletics. The extra-inning contests against the Tigers on Wednesday and Orioles on Thursday have only exacerbated things.
In the past seven games, the Indians have used 12 relievers, including needing Josh Tomlin who was scheduled to start the opener of the Orioles series. Of the 71 innings the Tribe, the bullpen has pitched 40 to the starting rotation's 31. Three times the starter his pitched six innings or more.
Of the 40 innings the bullpen has worked, they have allowed 31 hits and 20 runs with 14 earned. They have faced 166 batters and thrown 648 pitches with 399 being strikes. Of the 20 inherited runners when a reliever has come in, only three have scored.
Here's a look at the bullpen usage the last seven games:
