What is a Piggyback Start? Definition and Examples

What is a Piggyback Start?

A piggyback start is a planned pitching arrangement in which two pitchers share one game in tandem: the starter works a set number of innings or pitches, and a second stretched-out pitcher — the "piggyback" arm — follows with his own planned multi-inning stint. Unlike a normal bullpen game, the second pitcher's appearance is scheduled in advance, not dictated by the score or situation.

How a Piggyback Start Works

The structure is scripted before first pitch:

• Pitcher A (starter): throws 3-5 innings or 50-75 pitches.
• Pitcher B (piggyback): enters in a clean inning and throws his own 3-5 innings or 50-75 pitches.
• The bullpen covers the remainder only if needed.

Both pitchers stay on a starter's throwing program — bullpen sessions, between-start routines, pitch-count progression — because both are being developed or managed as starters. The arrangement is most common in the minor leagues, where organizations pair two prospects in the same rotation slot so both get starter workloads, and in the majors when a pitcher is returning from injury and isn't yet built up to a full outing. It's distinct from an opener, where the first pitcher is a reliever working one or two innings strategically, and from a bullpen game, where no one is expected to go deep.

A Real Example

The Houston Astros famously used piggybacks during their rebuild, pairing young arms at Double-A and Triple-A so the organization could develop twice as many starters with limited rotation spots. At the MLB level, teams regularly use the structure in September or post-injury: a pitcher coming off the injured list might start and throw 60 pitches, with a swingman like a long reliever scheduled to take the next four innings. The six-man rotation and piggyback are cousins — both exist to manage workload across too many arms for too few slots.

Why Piggyback Starts Matter

For player development, piggybacking solves a real problem: a full-season minor league rotation only has five slots, but organizations may have eight arms they want built up as starters. For MLB roster management, it's a workload tool — protecting pitchers in their first year back from Tommy John surgery or managing innings limits for young arms. For fantasy players, piggyback situations matter because the second pitcher can vulture a pitcher win — entering in the fourth with a lead, he's the pitcher of record when the starter doesn't finish five innings.

Limitations and Misconceptions

A piggyback start is not a sign a pitcher is being demoted — it's usually a planned development step. It also differs from a spot start, which is a one-off fill-in. The arrangement has drawbacks: neither pitcher faces a lineup three times (limiting development of that skill), and it can leave the actual bullpen thin if the game goes sideways early. Some organizations also believe the irregular role disrupts routine, which is why it's more common in the low minors than at Triple-A or the majors.

In Legends Deck: Tandem-pitcher cards and deep rotations let you replicate the piggyback strategy — use a second starter-type arm to bridge the middle innings and keep your bullpen fresh for close games.

Related: Opener · Bullpen Game · Swingman · Six-Man Rotation · Long Reliever