Pitch Smart

Studies have shown that players who throw harder are more likely to spend time on the Injured List or miss time due to surgery. Pitchers who throw harder should be especially cognizant of the recommendations on pitch counts, rest, and fatigue. atmlb.com/3o0dCgR #PitchSmart

Overall, amount of pitching, pitching mechanics and rest have been shown to be much more important factors than mound height. atmlb.com/3DVtgja #PitchSmart

There have been several studies on pitchers who have to undergo a second Tommy John surgery, often called a UCL Revision. Although still relatively uncommon, there seems to be an increase in the number of revisions over the past five years. atmlb.com/32pPzj7 #PitchSmart

Research has shown that 45% of youth pitchers pitched in a league without pitch counts or limits. atmlb.com/3qYOEAz #PitchSmart

Two recent studies have shown that players returning from Tommy John surgery tend to follow the typical aging pattern for players without surgery. atmlb.com/2Z57Kt5 #PitchSmart

Baseball is a safe game to play at all ages, but research has shown that pitching too much - particularly at a young age - can increase a pitcher’s risk of injury. atmlb.com/3qMOXOM #PitchSmart

Some studies suggest that more curveballs and sliders may be related to injury risk in adolescents, while another study suggests that more fastballs is related to injury risk in MLB pitchers. mlb.com/pitch-smart/to… #PitchSmart

Pitch count programs have been shown to reduce the risk of shoulder injury in youth pitchers by as much as 50%. atmlb.com/30mqt45 #PitchSmart

There are a number of factors that contribute to the likelihood of having Tommy John surgery, but the single most important factor is daily, weekly and annual overuse. atmlb.com/3F65RM2 #PitchSmart

Players who participate on multiple teams at the same time are at an increased risk of injury as it makes it more difficult to monitor pitch limits and results in reduced rest. atmlb.com/3F2Fffb #PitchSmart

According to Lyman et al, youth pitchers who throw sliders are 86% more likely to experience elbow pain than those who do not. atmlb.com/31BLfgq #PitchSmart

53% of college athletes incorrectly believe that pitching speed would improve following Tommy John surgery. atmlb.com/3GR7BKY #PitchSmart

The American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) found that adolescent pitchers who undergo elbow or shoulder surgery are 36 times more likely to have routinely pitched with arm fatigue. atmlb.com/3nPwNsH #PitchSmart

Research has shown that 19% of youth pitchers pitched in multiple games on the same day. atmlb.com/2ZEdJWj #PitchSmart

Pitchers should treat showcase appearances as they would any other game for purposes of daily, weekly and annual pitch count limits. Furthermore, they should avoid the temptation to overthrow in an attempt to make a favorable impression. atmlb.com/3pPe3fA #PitchSmart

While there are notable instances of players improving following surgery, the most optimistic expectation for a pitcher undergoing Tommy John surgery is that the procedure allows the player to return to his previous level of performance. atmlb.com/3GstPCD #PitchSmart

According to Lyman et al, youth pitchers who throw sliders are 86% more likely to experience elbow pain than those who do not. atmlb.com/3vKqjyT #PitchSmart

It is important for each league to set workload limits for their pitchers to limit the likelihood of pitching with fatigue. Research has shown that pitch counts are the most accurate and effective means of doing so. atmlb.com/3m9CKRG #PitchSmart

Pitchers who competed more than 8 months per year were 5x as likely to suffer an injury requiring surgery. Pitchers should refrain from throwing for at least 2-3 months per year and avoid competitive pitching for at least 4 months per year. atmlb.com/3E3hgM9 #PitchSmart

Watch for signs of fatigue during a game, during a season, and over the whole year. The ASMI found that adolescent pitchers who undergo elbow or shoulder surgery are 36 times more likely to have routinely pitched with arm fatigue. atmlb.com/3aTu7UM #PitchSmart