can a major league pitcher pitch 2 days in a row?

Answer 1

There's nothing in the rules that prohibits it. Relievers often do. Starters no longer do this -- I don't know the last time it has happened in the regular season, probably not in the past 50 years -- because if they go deep into the game, they've used up most of their pitching-quality stamina and control and need a few days to recover.

One recent postseason example, though, was Randy Johnson for the Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series. He started Game 6 on 03-November, going seven innings in a 15-2 buttwhoopin' of the Yankees (which was ridiculous -- the D'Backs had a 15-0 lead after five -- pulling Johnson then, allowing him to get what was by then an easy win, was the sensible thing, but FHOFers are nothing if not gameplaying tough), then came back in Game 7 in relief, finishing the eighth inning and slamming the door in the ninth (1.1 IP) on 04-November as the Snakes took the championship.

If nothing else, Game 7 of the World Series is the perfect time to do this sort of thing, because there is no point in saving anyone for tomorrow.

G6: http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2001/B11030ARI2001.htm
G7: http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2001/B11040ARI2001.htm

Answer 2

Yes they can, but during the regular season you will not see it. It is all about protecting the pitchers arm, you will see starters pitch two in a row in a very important playoff game, but it is not likely otherwise since managers always look towards the future. Even if a starter is forced to pitch relief (like the yanks), his start will be pushed back unless he has a few more days off.

Relievers on the other hand are more likely to pitch two or three days in a row, but only the elite. Closers pitch two games in a row very often, because even a beaten up closer is still better than many team's other options. However, it all depends on how many pitches they threw the night before. If a short reliever is forced to pitch 30-40+ pitches, i guarentee they will not pitch the next day, maybe even taking an additional day of for rest. Long relievers are more likely to do this, but they are amongst the worst in the bullpen, so unless the game is lost I do not see the manager putting the game in his hands without a day's rest.

Answer 3

Starting pitchers can't really do it. Releif pitchers do it all the time though since they usually only go in about 2 or 3 innings per game, and closers do a ton, they only pitch one innning usually.
Starting pitchers, however, pitch 6 or more innings a game usually, with well over 100 pitches, and even if they throw less in a game, managers don't like to disrupt the pitching rotation. However, if a pitcher only throws 2 or 3 innings because of a bad game, it isn't to uncommon to see him relief a few innings the next game, since most MLB relievers aren't too good.
To sumarize thar, while this is usually uncommon for starters, it does happen a lot with relievers. Hope this helped.

Sports Master

Answer 4

There are many starting pitchers who pitched both games of a double header on the same day. The link is listed below. As for starting pitchers who started 2 days in a row, I'm not sure about that one and can't find any source on it.

Answer 5

Yes, relievers often throw many days in a row. You dont see it happen with starters because of the amount of pitches they throw and the fact they are paying 4 other guys to be starting pitchers, but there is no rule saying a pitcher cant throw every day.

Answer 6

of course they can. look at releivers. some pitch 3, 4 or maybe 5 nights in a row. if you are talking about starters then not really. you have to allow at least one nights rest for the arm. back in the day starting pitchers would only take two in between every start.

Answer 7

Relief pitchers often pitch 3 or 4 or more days in a row.

Starting pitchers now-a-days never do......But I would imagine the old timers like,, Cy Young 511 career victories often started 2 days in a row.

I just read somewhere here:

http://baseball-almanac.com/himenu.shtml

That one guy a long time ago pitched both complete games of a double header, on the same day.

Answer 8

Well, I assume you're talking about starters, since relievers sometimes pitch two days in a row, or more. Starters probably can pitch two days in a row, but they're usually pretty tired after one day of pitching and like to rest their arm. If they for a long time, two days in a row, it greatly increases their chance for injury, and if they're tired, they probably can't pitch as well anyway.

And perhaps you're asking if starters are allowed to pitch two days in a row, then yes, I'm pretty sure they can.

Answer 9

Relief pitchers and closers do it all the time. Starters, however, are unlikely to do this unless in extreme emergency. And even then, managers might let someone else pitch rather than potentially injure a starter.

Answer 10

Are you kidding me? Do you know how much muscular stress and pain the arm is after a day of pitching? Why do you think they wrap their hands immediately in ice after the game?

Obviously, I am refering to starting pitchers only.