What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

MLB in Crisis: Pitchers Battle Injuries, Debate Heats Up

Arm injuries among pitchers have become a major concern in Major League Baseball, reaching a fever pitch in 2024 with season-ending elbow surgeries for top hurlers like Shane Bieber, Spencer Strider, and Eury Perez. This alarming trend sparked a public debate between the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and Major League Baseball (MLB) about the root cause of these injuries.

Is This Year Worse?

Our experts painted a grim picture. Trevor Rogers, a Miami Marlins starter, highlighted the impact on fans who miss seeing star pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, and Sandy Alcantara. New York Yankees reliever Caleb Ferguson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the high number of prominent players sidelined.

What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

Kirby Yates, a Texas Rangers reliever, wasn’t surprised, citing data from baseball injury researcher Jon Roegele showing a significant rise in Tommy John surgeries among pitchers over the past few years (34.4% in 2022 and 35.3% in 2023). While acknowledging the concern, Yates expressed doubt about solutions given the evolving game with increased hitter power, a smaller strike zone, and the pressure to throw hard.

Atlanta Braves starter Max Fried offered a more balanced perspective. He recognized the high-profile injuries but cautioned against simplistic explanations due to the complex nature of sports injuries. Clarke Schmidt, another Yankees starter, acknowledged the fear factor but stressed the importance of maintaining focus despite the worry.

The Velocity Factor

Velocity has emerged as a major point of discussion. Yankees reliever Caleb Ferguson believes the relentless pursuit of throwing harder has reached a breaking point. Max Fried agreed, acknowledging the correlation between velocity and stress on the arm.

Several pitchers shared their personal experiences. Trevor Rogers admitted to prioritizing velocity before an injury and learned a valuable lesson about pitching beyond just throwing hard. Chicago Cubs reliever Drew Smyly pointed out the economic incentive for pitchers to throw harder, with teams rewarding high velocity. The emphasis on velocity creates a pressure cooker, pushing young players to prioritize speed over control and a well-rounded repertoire.

What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

What MLB pitchers think of baseball pitching injury rise

However, some pitchers see velocity as a necessary evil. Chicago White Sox reliever Steven Wilson believes the correlation between velocity and success at the plate is undeniable. Both Will Smith of the Kansas City Royals and Steven Wilson of the White Sox understand the logic behind chasing velocity – it makes it harder for hitters.

The debate is far from over. While the dangers of high velocity are becoming increasingly clear, the pressure to win and the economic realities of the game make it difficult to imagine a future where pitchers prioritize control over heat.

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From: Tongassf