In Goodyear, Arizona, the surge in arm injuries among pitchers is a concern that is straightforward to identify but complex to resolve. This issue has caught the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB), which released a comprehensive report last December. The 62-page document highlighted how the push for increased velocity and maximum effort on every pitch has significantly contributed to the spike in injuries, reinforcing what many have already speculated based on conventional wisdom.
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee reflected on the findings, stating that exerting oneself to the limit elevates the risk of injury. He compared it to trying to squat the maximum weight, emphasizing it’s inherently riskier than lifting lighter loads.
The report detailed troubling trends, showing that the number of pitchers landing on the injured list doubled from 212 in 2005 to 485 in 2024, while time spent on the injured list rose sharply. In addition, Tommy John surgeries among both major and minor league players spiked from 104 in 2010 to a high in 2020, then slightly decreased.
The report also suggested considering rule changes that could shift the focus towards preserving player health and longevity. However, such changes may be difficult to implement given the current emphasis on velocity across all levels of baseball.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, who underwent Tommy John surgery, questioned if rules could effectively change the situation, noting the widespread belief that outs bring players to the big leagues, but velocity is what gets them noticed.
Worryingly, the injury stats for younger pitchers are even more grim. High school prospects throwing above 95 mph sharply increased in recent years. Furthermore, a substantial number of players drafted in the top 10 rounds last year had previously undergone Tommy John surgery.
External studies support these findings, indicating a staggering rise in player injuries, with some focusing on collegiate baseball levels. These studies imply that issues begin well before these athletes reach the major leagues.
Eric Cressey, a trainer and director at the New York Yankees, stresses that the root causes of this problem originate from youth levels. He observed young players engaging in strenuous throwing routines before their bodies are prepared, neglecting basic warmup and recovery protocols.
Cressey argues for introducing a scouting dead period to allow young athletes a period of rest akin to professional players during off-seasons. He expressed concern over the pressure faced by young pitchers and is critical of the decisions that lead to the injury of young athletes.
While some professional pitchers train year-round without full rest, it remains a point of contention. Giants pitching coach J.P. Martinez sees no issue with off-season throwing as long as it is managed carefully to prevent injuries at the start of each season.
Another perspective suggests reverting to traditional pitching techniques focused on control and changing speeds. Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis advocates for such an approach, believing it could ease the burden on young arms and reduce injury prevalence.
MLB has instituted Pitch Smart guidelines to manage young pitchers’ workloads and curtail pitching with fatigue, which heightens injury risks. Nonetheless, enforcing these recommendations remains a challenge, largely due to the ongoing fascination with achieving high velocities at youth levels.
Cressey concludes that tackling this complex issue may require a concerted effort to change deeply ingrained practices developed in athletes’ formative years, prior to reaching the pressures of major league play.