Unpacking the rise in position player pitching in MLB this season

Analyzing how position player pitching has been beneficial

With position players throwing the ball softly over the plate it also avoids injuries so they don't need to overthrow the ball with max velocity like a qualified pitcher does. 

MLB has allowed teams who are down by eight or more runs to bring in a position player to pitch late in the game. The slow pitch has also been proven effective as batters are fooled into swinging early because the pitch is difficult to read. 

This method has certainly saved teams as they want to have their bullpen arms fresh and rested for upcoming games. As well, this is particularly critical during pivotal stretches and for teams trying to make a push for the postseason as the wild-card race in the AL is super tight right now. 

From 2008 to 2018 no position players were used to pitch but in 2021 is when the rise started as 64 were used and it's also when there was a major rise in injuries.

The Toronto Blue Jays are another team that has used position players as pitchers this season including former Blue Jay Tyler Heineman and outfielder Myles Straw. Straw has been a solid this season who pitched three innings and has yet to give up a run while allowing five hits and one walk.