The End of the Four-Man Rotation

The 1980's witnessed the end of the 4-man rotation in baseball. Starting pitchers were becoming pricey and valued fragile commodities, not to mention bullpen specialist were starting to be used more frequently (thanks a lot LaRussa). Days of guys pitching 7-8 innings on 3 days rest became a thing of the past, as a quality start was defined as 6+ IP with 3 runs or less allowed. 1987 was the last year the Phillies employed a 4-man rotation, and the workhorses shouldering the load had nearly identical seasons (see below). Shane Rawley, Don Carman, Bruce Ruffin, and Kevin Gross were the end of an era. Although Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels certainly take the ball and pitch deep into games, they still get the luxury of 4 days rest. 

1987 4-Man Rotation:
*Stats- Record, Games Started, Innings Pitched, ERA/WHIP, BB:K.

Shane Rawley 17-11, 36 GS, 229.2 IP, 4.39/1.46, 86:123.

Don Carman 13-11, 35 GS, 211 IP, 4.22/1.25, 69:125.

Bruce Ruffin 11-14, 35 GS, 204.2 IP, 4.35/1.51, 73:93.

Kevin Gross 9-16, 33 GS, 200.2 IP, 4.35/1.46, 87:110.

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