Maybe. Pitchers change their approach when they are gearing toward relieving versus starting. I took a look at Glen Perkins's innings split for 2009, his last year as a starter; his ERA was 11.34 in the first inning, 7.80 in the second, 5.40 in the third, and by the fourth (which he actually made it to, in most games) he settled down to a 2.40 ERA. Glen's worked out OK in relief. If instead the comp is Kevin Slowey, then it's pretty bleak sending him to the bullpen, I'll admit. Anyway, Pelf may be no good in the bullpen, but I wouldn't look at innings splits as a guide.