Reigning Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole recently spoke out about the alarming trend of pitcher injuries that has rocked Major League Baseball. Cole, who is currently dealing with elbow inflammation himself, expressed frustration over the lack of collaboration between MLB and the Player’s Association in addressing the issue. The recent wave of pitcher injuries, including Shane Bieber heading for Tommy John surgery and the Braves holding their breath over Spencer Strider, has clearly rattled Cole and raised concerns about the future of star pitchers.
During his insightful response to questions from the media, Cole likened the situation to “divorced parents” unable to get on the same page to address the problem at hand. He pointed out the conflicting statements from both sides, with MLB emphasizing velocity and spin rates while the Player’s Association highlighted changes to the pitch clock. Cole expressed disappointment in the shortsightedness of the argument and emphasized the need for both sides to prioritize the well-being of players, who are essential to the success of the industry.
Cole highlighted the impact of the pitch clock and other changes in the game on pitcher health, noting that these factors could have long-term implications that are not fully understood. The absence of star pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander due to injuries further underscores the seriousness of the issue. With the loss of hard-throwing pitchers like Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez creating a significant impact on their teams’ performance, Cole stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of pitcher injuries for the sustainability of the sport.
As Cole delved deeper into the conversation, he referenced the higher standard of performance in today’s game, which demands pitchers to consistently deliver their best pitches in a competitive environment. The evolution of the sport over the last decade, coupled with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and labor disputes, has placed added pressure on pitchers to adapt. Cole emphasized the need for a nuanced approach to understanding the impact of various factors on pitcher health, urging both sides to come together to find solutions that prioritize player safety.
The urgency of the situation was further highlighted by recent injury updates, with the Angels placing pitcher Chase Silseth on the injured list and the Astros scratching Framber Valdez from his start due to elbow soreness. These incidents underscored the immediate need for proactive measures to address the issue at hand, with Cole advocating for a collaborative approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than engaging in a divisive debate. As the industry grapples with the consequences of pitcher injuries, Cole’s impassioned plea for unity serves as a call to action for MLB and the Player’s Association to prioritize player health and safety above all else.
