» “Designer” Pitches, Horizontal Movement, and the Pitching Injury Epidemic

In a recent interview, Dr. Keith Meister discussed the rising trend of arm injuries in baseball, attributing some of the issues to “designer pitches.” These pitches, particularly those with increased horizontal movement like the sweeper slider, can put added stress on the elbow and kinetic chain. The rapid adoption of new pitches, aided by advanced technology, has led to a higher risk of injury for pitchers. To mitigate this risk, players should take a gradual approach to incorporating new pitches, allowing for sufficient tissue strength and recovery. The current epidemic of pitching injuries is a complex issue, with factors including early specialization, higher velocity, and reduced recovery time contributing to the problem. Dr. Meister’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by players and teams in the modern era of baseball. If you want to delve deeper into this topic, check out the podcast “How Pitching Injuries Occur” for more information.