Over the last few seasons, strikeouts are at an all-time high in the MLB. Pitchers are throwing faster and with better spin rates and that has led to the game turning in favor of the defensive numbers. Allowing fewer runs and increasing velocity does come at a price though. The league has seen a substantial rise in injuries to pitchers, and especially those that are throwing faster and harder.
Cy Young pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber, Clayton Kershaw and Sandy Alcantara are all currently not pitching. Add to that top tier pitchers like Shane McClanahan, Spencer Strider, Justin Steele and Kodai Senga and the percentage of star pitchers on the sidelines is alarming.
The Question now has to be asked: Why is there such an increase in injury numbers among star pitchers?
Need for Speed
MLB pitchers are throwing faster now on average than they have at any point in history. Relievers were always known for their velocity, but now the pressure is on starting pitchers to match those high figures. Strikeouts may be up, but so are pitching injuries.
Pitchers entering the league are judged predominantly on velocity, movement and accuracy but over recent years, the priority has become velocity. Gone are the days when Greg Maddux was able to throw fastball in the high 80’s and work his way through 100 pitches. The Hall of Famer was known for his accuracy and ability to paint the corners, but suddenly is not enough for starting pitchers.
Within one week’s time, Shane Bieber and Eury Perez have needed Tommy John surgery and Spencer Strider has serious elbow concerns. Gerrit Cole is out until at least June with elbow issues, too.
Pitching is a brutal business.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 6, 2024
In 2002, the average fastball was clocked at around 89 mph. In 2015, that figure jumped to 92.1 mph. In 2023, the average fastball was approximately 94.1 mph from pitchers.
The pressure on pitchers (both young and old) to throw the heat has been a major factor for the rise in surgeries over the last few seasons. In 2023 alone there were 31 players that had to undergo Tommy John surgery.
According to a 2023 piece by Gabe Lacques of USA Today, it is simple mathematics. The faster a pitcher throws, the more likely he is to suffer injuries.
“Of the top 64 hardest throwers this season based on average fastball velocity calculated by Statcast, 30 – nearly half – have undergone reconstructive Tommy John surgery,” said Lacques.
Rule Changes Favoring Offensive Players
The late 1990’s when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa battled for the single-season home run record was considered one of the most popular periods in baseball history. In 1998, McGwire shattered the previous record with 70 homers and Sosa was not far behind with 66. Scoring runs is exciting and what many fans come to the ballpark to see.
Justin Verlander on the rash of pithcer injuries:
"…I think the game has changed a lot, it would be easiest to blame the pitch clock, in reality everything has a little bit of influence, the biggest thing is the style of pitching has changed so much, everyone is throwing as… pic.twitter.com/rzmvwhB27R
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) April 7, 2024
Last season, the MLB implemented more rules that favor the offense including prohibiting the infield shift and bigger bases. To counter the rise in home runs hitters, pitchers are feeling the pressure, and that can lead to an increase in injuries.
Implementation of the Pitch Clock
Perhaps the most impactful rule change that was put in place last season was the implementation of the pitch clock. The new law speeds up that game forcing pitchers to throw a pitch 15 seconds after receiving the ball. If there are any runners on base, it jumps to 18 seconds. The rule has definitely improved the fan viewership experience with ratings up and MLB games now down to an average on under 2 hours 40 minutes per game.
Braves announce RHP Spencer Strider underwent an MRI that revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. pic.twitter.com/slPIg0jFmi
— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2024
There are, however, some negatives to the controversial pitch clock. Pitchers are not awarded time to rest between pitches. Spencer Strider voiced his concerns last season about the new ruling stating: “I feel like a QB now…Bad clock management is not a baseball phrase.”
MLBPA released a statement. pic.twitter.com/BtI7T4nRmp
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 6, 2024
In a recent statement released by the MLB Players Association, the reduction in length of the pitch clock was mentioned as a key concern for player’s health and safety.
According to a recent piece in the New York Post, there were 166 players on the IL to start the 2024 season and 132 of those were pitchers. Those are concerning numbers for the league and it has become a serious issue that can no longer be ignored, and must be addressed.
