The MLB pitching injury epidemic has reached a tipping point in the first full week of the new season, with multiple pitchers, including young stars like Eury Pérez, Shane Bieber, and Spencer Strider, needing Tommy John surgery or suffering UCL damage. The increase in injuries is attributed to pitchers throwing harder and with more spin, influenced by the data-driven development program Driveline Baseball. This pressure to throw faster has resulted in pitchers risking their health and leading to a surge in UCL injuries across all levels of baseball.
The shift in pitching style towards throwing harder and spinning the ball as much as possible has led to an increase in arm injuries, as pitchers push themselves to constantly hit triple digits on the radar gun. This new approach is causing concern among players and analysts, as the human arm is not built to sustain this level of stress. Many pitchers, especially young ones, feel compelled to reach high velocity in order to secure scholarships or professional contracts, which adds to the pressure to perform at maximum capacity.
Players like Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer and one of the best pitchers of all time, have shown that success on the mound does not always require throwing at maximum speed. Verlander emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s stuff and learning to pitch strategically instead of relying solely on velocity. By studying the techniques of successful pitchers who do not throw as hard, young players can improve their game while reducing the risk of injury and prolonging their careers in the long run.
The injury to Spencer Strider, who was projected as a top pitcher this season, is a significant setback for the Braves, but it does not diminish their chances of success. The team is considered one of the best in baseball, with a strong lineup and rotation even in the absence of their ace. While Strider’s injury is a blow to the team, they still have capable pitchers like Max Fried and Chris Sale to lead the rotation. The impact of Strider’s absence will be felt in the pitching rotation and potentially in crucial games in the postseason.
Ben Verlander, an MLB Analyst for FOX Sports and host of the “Flippin’ Bats” podcast, highlights the need for pitchers to adopt a more sustainable approach to pitching to reduce the risk of injury and improve their longevity in the sport. As the trend towards high velocity continues to endanger players’ health, Verlander emphasizes that pitchers can find success without constantly throwing at their maximum capacity. By learning to trust their pitching repertoire and strategic abilities, players can pitch effectively and protect their arms from excessive strain.
In conclusion, the MLB pitching injury epidemic has reached a critical stage, with multiple players requiring surgery due to UCL damage. The emphasis on throwing harder and with more spin has contributed to the increase in injuries, particularly among younger pitchers who feel pressured to hit high velocity benchmarks. Players like Justin Verlander have shown that success on the mound does not always require maximum speed, and there is a need for pitchers to adopt a more sustainable approach to pitching to protect their arms and improve their careers in the long term. While injuries like Spencer Strider’s are setbacks for teams, they can still succeed with a strong rotation and strategic pitching strategies.
