Major League Baseball has been grappling with a significant increase in pitcher injuries in recent years. This article delves into the factors contributing to this crisis, including increased velocity, added emphasis on movement, and the proliferation of maximum effort throws. It also explores the various aspects of the problem at different levels of the sport, from the minors to the majors, and examines potential solutions and the challenges they pose.

Uncovering the Hidden Truths Behind MLB's Pitcher Injury Epidemic

Introduction to the Pitcher Injury Crisis

The start of this season was marred by major arm injuries to prominent pitchers like Shane Bieber, Spencer Strider, and Eury Pérez. A 63-page report issued by Major League Baseball to all 30 clubs highlights the primary culprits behind this ongoing injury crisis. It reveals an increase in velocity, a greater emphasis on generating movement, and the prevalence of pitchers throwing at maximum effort. Injury rates among pitchers have skyrocketed over the past several decades, as evidenced by the rise in surgeries to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. This issue engulfs the sport every April, prompting the need for a detailed examination. 2: The study not only identifies these factors but also cites additional ones at the professional and amateur levels. The loss of high-profile pitchers at the beginning of the past season, such as Bieber, Strider, and Pérez, and the Dodgers' pitching injury woes led to an offseason audit of developmental practices. There are no easy solutions, as the report is light on prescriptions. It suggests adjusting MLB rules to encourage starting pitchers to preserve energy for deeper games but offers no specific details. There could also be more restrictions on roster moves with pitchers.

The Role of Velocity in the Crisis

In 2008, the average four-seam fastball was clocked at 91.3 mph. By 2024, this average had risen to 94.2 mph, with corresponding increases in the velocity of offspeed pitches. Faster pitches are harder to hit, which leads to pitchers throwing harder with more movement. One big-league executive explained that this is why pitchers are now throwing 87 mph sliders with fringe-y spin and movement. The MLB report outlines a vicious cycle where players at all levels pursue these practices in an attempt to get promoted or drafted. However, this poses a unique risk to young, amateur players who lack access to quality trainers and coaches. 2: The pursuit of velocity leads to more amateur arm injuries, which in turn leads more players to enter the professional ranks with prior surgeries and increased susceptibility to future injury. As Athletics general manager David Forst noted, even 14-year-old travel ball players are experiencing arm problems. This highlights the far-reaching impact of the velocity-driven culture on the sport.

The Impact of Ball-Tracking Technology

At the professional level, ball-tracking technology like Edgertronic cameras, Rapsodo monitors, and Trackman radar systems has exacerbated the problem. These innovations allow pitchers to chase maximum velocity and movement on individual pitches, potentially placing their arms in unnatural positions. Teams can now monitor bullpen sessions with the same level of scrutiny as actual games, leading pitchers to operate at higher levels of effort in previously relaxed settings. 2: The access to granular data also enables teams and players to reshape pitches daily. Pitchers have embraced pitches like the splitter and pioneered the sweeper, which generate better results but come with increased injury risks. All pitches are thrown as hard as possible due to the pursuit of effectiveness.

The Importance of Ongoing Dialogue and Research

Rather than providing concrete solutions, the report emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and more research. Reshaping a system where all actors are behaving rationally is a challenge. Pitchers are rewarded for throwing harder with more movement at maximum effort because it works. However, a healthy pitcher with a 5.00 ERA still has a 5.00 ERA. Near the conclusion of the report, many experts agree that creating a system where pitchers moderate their activity and throw at sub-maximum effort to go deeper into games may be better for their health. But the problem is that it may not necessarily help the club win games.