MLB Study Connects Increased Velocity with Rising Injury Rates
Jan 20, 2025
The Hidden Costs of Chasing Velocity in Baseball
Pain: "Throw harder," they said. "Chase velocity," they said. But what if the relentless pursuit of velocity is actually damaging pitchers' arms?
Expertise: I'm Dr. Kam DPT, a seasoned sports, orthopedic, spine, and manual physical therapist. As someone deeply embedded in the world of baseball health, I've witnessed first-hand the repercussions of this velocity obsession.
Promise: Today, I'm here to break down a groundbreaking MLB study that links high throwing speeds to an increased rate of pitching injuries. Let's uncover how this obsession is reshaping the future of baseball.
MLB Study Connects Increased Velocity with Rising Injury Rates
Recent findings from a comprehensive MLB study have brought to light a concerning trend: as fastball velocities climb, so do the incidences of injuries. This correlation is stark, with increased stress on pitchers' ulnar collateral ligaments, elevating the risk of severe injuries such as Tommy John surgery needs.
The Reliever Mentality: High Intensity with Every Pitch
The shift towards a reliever mentality means pitchers often throw each pitch at maximum effort. This approach leaves little room for energy conservation and significantly strains both elbow and shoulder joints, amplifying the risk of chronic injuries.
The Risks of Year-Round Pitching
Many young athletes, especially those in travel ball, rarely take significant breaks, pitching throughout the year. This continuous strain, especially on developing bodies with growing plates, leads to a higher occurrence of conditions like little league elbow.
Questionable Benefits of Weighted Ball Training
The MLB study calls for a closer examination of weighted ball training programs which, while sometimes improving pitching metrics, may alter throwing mechanics and exacerbate arm stress, raising questions about their long-term safety.
Rethinking Workload Management
Ironically, current strategies aimed at reducing injuries, such as pitch counts and innings limits, might be inadvertently increasing them. These limits encourage pitchers to throw harder in the short time they are on the mound, potentially leading to more injuries.
Reflect: As we dive deep into the MLB's revelations, it's clear that our current practices in training and managing pitchers may need a thorough reevaluation.
Remind: Remember, the goal is to keep our pitchers not just performing at their best but also healthy and injury-free.
Who We Are: At my clinic, I specialize in integrating sports science with practical coaching to develop safer, more effective training regimens for pitchers at all levels.
Next Steps: Interested in learning more about protecting pitchers from common injuries? Check out our other articles on effective pitching strategies, or contact me directly to tailor a program that’s right for you:
- Are Your Pitching Mechanics Hurting You? Fix These Key Movements
- The Impact of Weighted Baseballs on Pitching: Exploring the Science
- How Long Should Your Pitching Stride Be | Expert Tips for Baseball Players
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