Rising Pitching Injuries in Baseball Linked to Velocity Emphasis
A focus on pitching velocity in baseball has led to a significant rise in injuries and Tommy John surgeries, affecting both professional and high school players. Experts suggest revisiting traditional techniques and workload guidelines to reduce these risks.
Published on April 15, 2025
A recent Major League Baseball study has shown that the heightened focus on velocity and maximum effort pitching is contributing to a marked increase in injuries. Data from the study indicates that injured list placements have more than doubled, rising from 212 in 2005 to 485 in 2024, along with an uptick in Tommy John surgeries. The trend is not only affecting professional pitchers but is also impacting high school players, as early specialization and the drive to attract scouting attention have become more common.
Experts such as Eric Cressey argue that traditional pitching techniques and adherence to Pitch Smart workload recommendations could help mitigate these risks. Some voices in the baseball community have called for rule changes, as noted in reports from AP News dated December 17, 2024 and April 1, 2025, to better protect pitcher health. However, reversing long-standing training and scouting practices remains a significant challenge within the sport.