STARTERS: Sixth starters, 2020

In the shortened 2020 season, there is even less value given to starting pitchers that don't have a rotation slot as of Opening Day. After all, there is less time for those guys to get meaningful innings.

But early-season roles on pitching staffs are still fluid, especially when it comes to starting pitchers. Injuries will create openings. So too will poor performance, as managers might have quicker hooks than normal as they try to win games quickly.

On average, SP as of Opening Day account for 70-75% of the innings thrown from their team's starting rotation during the season. Even if that increases in 2020, there will still be innings taken by guys that emerge during the season.

In 2019, Max Fried (LHP, ATL) did not begin the season in...

Almost!

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