MLB Warns of Arm Injury Epidemic as Pursuit of Velocity Hits Pitchers Hard

In a stark reflection of the modern baseball landscape, Major League Baseball (MLB) has unveiled a comprehensive report addressing what it describes as an alarming epidemic of arm injuries among pitchers. This report, which has circulated to the 30 MLB franchises in the aftermath of a season marred by high-profile injuries to stars like Shane Bieber, Spencer Strider, and Eury Pérez, highlights the multifaceted nature of the issue and the difficult road ahead for teams seeking to mitigate this growing crisis. Conducted by MLB vice president for amateur and medical baseball operations John D'Angelo, the report draws upon over 200 interviews with executives, coaches, trainers, surgeons, and former players. It paints a sobering picture of an injury landscape that is not only expanding but evolving, with rates of ulnar collateral ligament surgeries surging from 104 in 2010 to 281 in 2024. This increase in injuries has left organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, grappling with the consequences of a pitching staff beleaguered by health issues, prompting an urgent audit of their developmental practices. At the heart of this epidemic lies a relentless pursuit of velocity. The average four-seam fastball has seen an impressive rise in speed, clocking in at 94.2 mph in 2024 compared to 91.3 mph just 16 years prior. This drive for higher speeds has led to a culture where pitchers, from youth leagues to the major leagues, are incentivized to throw as hard as possible. The report underscores a cyclical pattern: youth players mirror professional athletes, striving for velocity to catch the eyes of scouts, while older players are pushed to perform at maximum effort to preserve their roster spots. Compounding this problem is the rapid advancement of technology in the sport. Tools like Edgertronic cameras and Trackman radar systems enable a level of performance analysis that encourages pitchers to maximize their potential velocity and pitch movement. However, this relentless focus on high-stakes performance can push players into dangerous territory, as they often pitch at maximum effort even in less critical practices, ultimately putting their arms at risk. Moreover, the report reveals that the pursuit of velocity is not just a professional problem; it is prevalent at the amateur level too. Young players, often lacking access to quality coaching, are increasingly susceptible to arm injuries as they strive to replicate the high-velocity approaches of their professional idols. This alarming trend creates a pipeline of injury that sees amateur players entering the professional ranks with pre-existing conditions, thereby amplifying the injury crisis within the league. While the report does suggest possible areas for reform—such as revising MLB rules to encourage pitchers to conserve energy and implementing stricter guidelines on player roster moves—it stops short of providing concrete solutions. It emphasizes the need for continued dialogue and further research into training regimens and early-season workloads, particularly as injury rates tend to spike at the beginning of each season. Despite the pressing need for action, the report acknowledges the inherent challenges in reshaping a system where all participants are motivated by the same desire: to excel in a game that increasingly rewards velocity and striking power. As the push for maximum effort continues to dominate the sport, the long-term health of pitchers may remain at risk. In conclusion, the MLB’s findings serve as a clarion call for the sport to reassess its priorities. While the focus on velocity and performance metrics drives the excitement of modern baseball, the toll on player health is becoming untenable. The industry now faces the monumental task of reconciling the need for effective performance with the equally important imperative of ensuring the longevity and health of pitchers throughout their careers.