The post-season schedule allows teams to cut their starting rotation down to four – or even three. Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher said he has not talked to any of the Angels’ starters about the necessity for one of them to pitch out of the bullpen in the playoffs.
“There’s no sense in saying now, ‘Hey – this is how it’s going to line up and this is where you’re going to be,’” he said. “There’s still a lot of baseball to be played and things can change.”
Right-hander Jered Weaver is the most likely candidate to pitch out of the bullpen. John Lackey and Jon Garland have the edge in playoff experience. Santana (15-5, 3.23) and Saunders (14-7, 3.69) have clearly outperformed Weaver (10-10, 4.42).
None of the five have much experience pitching out of the bullpen. Garland has made one relief appearance since 2002, Lackey just one in his career (2004), Saunders and Weaver none.
Santana pitched out of the bullpen twice last September and moved to the bullpen during the Angels’ playoff runs in 2005 and 2007 – but is more likely to be their Game 2 starter this time around.
But Butcher said that lack of familiarity with a relief role is not a big hurdle to overcome and will not require any transition period.
“When (everything) is on the line — you’re facing a hitter. It’s still 60 feet, six inches,” Butcher said. “It’s going to be a little different warming up but you’re going to get it right. You’re going to find a way to do it.
“I think whoever it may be is going to be just fine.”
Angels manager Mike Scioscia, meanwhile, treats any questions about playoff plans as if they are metaphysical arguments suited only for philosophers.
