MLB Study Highlights Factors Contributing to Pitching Injuries

Major League Baseball (MLB) has released a comprehensive 62-page study examining the rise in pitching injuries. The yearlong research identifies several contributing factors, including the pursuit of higher velocity and improved "stuff," which refers to the characteristics of a pitch such as its movement and spin rate. These efforts often lead players to exert maximum effort both in-game and during training.

The study involved interviews with over 200 industry professionals, including former pitchers, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, team officials, biomechanists, agents, and experts in pitcher development. It provided broad recommendations, including potential rule changes, to address the increasing rate of pitching injuries. However, MLB emphasized that this study is just the first step in a process that requires further examination.

One significant finding was that monitoring pitchers' training and workloads from spring training through the season is more manageable than during the winter months, when players are generally on their own. The study revealed a spike in pitching injuries during spring, suggesting that pitchers may not be adequately prepared for the start of spring training. This was exemplified by the losses of Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider to Tommy John surgery in March.

The league is also concerned that pitchers may overwork themselves during the offseason in an effort to optimize their "stuff." This term encompasses the combined movement characteristics of pitches, including horizontal and vertical break and spin rate. Additionally, the study highlighted weighted ball training as an area needing further research due to mixed opinions on its contribution to injuries.

The pursuit of higher velocity emerged as the number one contributing factor to pitching injuries. "There's no question that if we take the simplest thing, which is fastball velocity, you can see how the average increase in fastball velocity has completely paralleled the increased incidence of injury," an orthopedic surgeon stated in the study.

Interestingly, the study found that professional pitchers are at least somewhat aware of the risks but often choose a more dangerous style of pitching because they perceive the rewards to outweigh the risks, particularly in the short term. This mindset appears to be influencing amateur players as well.

In addition to the main issues, the study identified several other contributing factors:

- **Modern Workload Management**: Strategies intended to protect pitchers by reducing workloads may inadvertently contribute to injuries. Pitchers often use maximum effort, knowing their time in the game is limited. This shift from a long-term endurance mentality to a short-burst effort can increase strain on their arms.

- **Minor League Preparedness**: There is a perceived trend of minor league players being unprepared for major league workloads, with innings limits and rest restrictions negatively impacting their transition to the majors.
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- **Training Methods**: The study noted a shift from cardiovascular and endurance training to power and strength-focused training. Experts suggest that while short-burst, high-intensity training is important, it should be balanced with a solid foundation of aerobic capacity to prevent injuries.

MLB's study marks an important step in understanding and addressing the increase in pitching injuries. As the league continues to explore solutions, it aims to find a balance between optimizing performance and maintaining player health.

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