Major League Baseball has seen an increase in arm injuries recently, with star pitchers like Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider being affected. This has sparked discussions about pitcher health and the role of the pitch clock in these injuries. The league and Player Association have issued conflicting statements on the matter, with some suggesting that the pitch clock may be a contributing factor, while others argue that it is not.
Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer who has experienced his share of pitching-related injuries, recently spoke about the issue while on a rehab assignment. He believes that the shift towards higher velocity pitches may be a primary factor in the injuries, rather than the pitch clock. Verlander acknowledges that making changes to reduce injuries will be challenging and time-consuming, but he also recognizes that it may be necessary to protect the health of pitchers in the long run.
MLB is currently investigating the issue and it is hoped that concrete steps will be taken to address the problem in a way that satisfies all parties involved. Making structural and rules-based changes to incentivize longer outings over short, high-velocity appearances may be a step in the right direction. It is important for MLB to prioritize player health and wellness in order to ensure that players can continue to perform at their best for many years to come.
