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Anatomy of Baseball Injuries. Beyond the Pitch Clock


People are quick to blame the pitch clock for the so-called "injury pandemic" among pitchers, yet this accusation lacks scientific foundation. Critics point fingers at the pitch clock as it appears to be the only most recent addition to the game, overlooking the other many factors that have proliferated with a more substantial impact on injury rates.

Speeding up the pace of play undoubtedly accelerates fatigue, leading to breakdowns in mechanics—a bit like doing CrossFit where the first few reps have perfect form but as exhaustion sets in, form deteriorates. When fatigue sets in, the body compensates by engaging secondary muscle groups, altering mechanics and heightening injury risks.. Paradoxically, there's a push for pitchers to throw less in training and games. Throwing must be the only activity in life people think that by doing it less they are going to become better.

As we said before, all eyes are on the pitch clock without realizing that there are other factors more related to injuries that have proliferated in recent years, such as as:

  • Biomechanical Flaws/Deficiencies: inconsistencies in the components of each pitcher's Biomechanical Pitching System (Mechanics).

  • Incorrect Pitch Design: pitchers adding new pitches to their repertoires without considering compatibility with their Biomechanics.

  • Non-functional Strengthening: greater general physical strengthening without the correct specific strengthening of the synergistic muscles.

  • Higher Velos: Greater speed in throws translates into greater forces applied to the joints and soft tissues.

  • Limited elaticity

This evolution demands swift adjustments in training, biomechanical alignment, and strengthening programs to reduce injury rates and enhance pitcher durability. Unfortunately, many programs lack functional training or fail to align with Primary Pitching Biomechanical Models.

In conclusion, this chaos leads to pitchers throwing harder, incompatible pitches with mechanical flaws, and developing imbalanced strength—factors that compound injury risks, especially alongside the pitch clock's fast pace demands.

Therefore, while the pitch clock may indeed be a secondary factor in the rising injury rates, it is critical to adopt a holistic view of the situation. Evaluating and making the corresponding adjustments in a pitcher's biomechanics, strengthening program, repertoire, and, adding to this, nutrition quality and recovery time is essential. Only by addressing these interconnected factors can the baseball industry hope to mitigate the so-called 'injury pandemic' and safeguard the health and careers of its pitchers.

It's not one thing or the other, it's everything together.

If you want to talk about this topic reach out to norberto.rivas@tacticsnr.com

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