why are "starting pitchers" still a thing? Starters no longer even attempt to throw complete games, and the average innings pitched for starters is only 5.7 innings in the MLB right now. Why not use your best bullpen arms as openers for the first 2-3 innings, then bring in your "starter" and finish the game? Since the highest leverage moments are late in the game, you should want your best pitcher in late ... right?