162 Inning Pitchers are Disappearing

[frankbmd]

92 (2010)
93
88
81
88
78
74
58
57
53 (2019) (Yes, this number will be little higher when the season ends.)

From 2010 to 2019 the number of pitchers qualifying for the ERA leadership in their league, requiring 162 IP, is decreasing. From 2010 to 2019 the trend is from the low nineties to the fifties.

I suspect the number of starting pitchers completing 5 innings, to qualify for a win, is similarly decreasing. Certainly the number of innings per game has similarly been decreasing.

Pitching to a batter three times in a game will soon be unheard of.

The number of bullpen seats either increases or their occupancy rate does.

What does the future hold?

1. A single pitcher in one league wins an ERA crown with an ERA of 4.87, because no other pitcher in the league qualifies.

2. Ten game winners will be considered outstanding.

3. Bull pens will have to be expanded to 18-20 seats and rosters will have to be expanded to 30-32 players per team.

4. To address pace of play the next pitcher to enter the game will have to stand behind the mound, so that he can take over with a simple wave of the manager from the bench. The next pitcher would then assume the position behind the mound as soon as possible transported by a Harley-Davidson from the pen after a foul ball, a challenged play or the next commercial break.

5. More surgeons will be needed to specialize in Tommy John surgery to meet the ever increasing demand.

6. Fielder's gloves will never wear out with the ever increasing number of strikeouts and home runs.

What else does the future hold in your opinion?