I think this is the less obvious but more important trend. This guy for the Angels probably has no shot for any of the comp picks, rookie of the year etc but he's a guy they think can help. The mindset change probably has something to do with realizing that we need to use these guys while they are performing best and being older isn't always better.
I think the advanced analytics mostly better informs the promotion process. They can tell right away if a pitch will play. Then check a few more boxes and get in the pen, son. Dude got shelled the first time out though.
I do loath the word manipulation when used to discuss service time, thems the rules everyone agreed to, so no surprise that tweaking the rules to incentivize faster promotion helps. It's only part of the story though.
The further discussion of the accelerated promotions is early extensions, we are seeing more of them as well. And unfortunately, it makes a tougher market for the solid role player vets.