I don't know how it factors into the current situation, but I recall on those 8 man staffs, the starters would throw in he bullpen two days after their start to "get loose". And if needed, they would pitch in relief that day. IIRC, pitchers did that several times in the 50's and 60s. (Mel Stottlemyre even got a save and Juan Marichal got a save against the Mets) I don't know if today's pitchers have the same off- start throwing schedule, but if they came into some games it might ease the strain on the bullpen. Later