Starting Pitching Hits an All-Time Low as Velocity Takes Over

MLB starting pitchers are working fewer innings and delivering fewer complete games than ever, with July producing just two complete games and starters averaging 5.03 innings. The workload split has become bullpen-heavy (57% to starters) and the 110–120-pitch ceiling has effectively vanished, evidenced by only a handful of 110-pitch starts. Velocity modulation has collapsed—first-inning speeds now exceed ninth-inning speeds from 2011—indicating a shift toward early power and shorter outings across the league.