Max Scherzer, the near-old, three-time Cy Young Award winner, has issued a warning to all pitchers out there – get in shape! The pitch clock is coming and it’s going to knock people out. Scherzer is considering the worst-case scenario where pitchers start dropping like flies due to injuries. So, don’t let it be you, get in shape!
The pitch clock has been a topic of concern for many managers, coaches, and players who fear that injuries will spike and velocity will dwindle. However, after the first month of the season, the pitch clock has shaved time off the game, creating a livelier playing environment. Well, it’s complicated.
Pitchers are throwing just as hard as ever, and going as deep into games as they were before, if not deeper. The injury question, however, is a different story. The early data hasn’t completely quelled concern from some within the sport. At least two managers and an athletic trainer told The Athletic that they believe the rising pitches per inning are more predictive of injury than the pitch clock, though that’s anecdotal.
Pitch velocity is up again, but that’s nothing to worry about. What’s causing concern is the rising pitches per inning. Past injury tracks as one of the best predictors of future injury; 62.9 percent of players who have been on the IL this season spent time on the IL last year.
There is no direct statistical evidence that the pitch timer has led major-league pitchers to suffer more injuries; however, some harbor concerns that a clear injury spike is coming. In that scenario, Scherzer said it would be vital for pitchers to learn to throttle their stuff so they can last six innings or so before handing off to a bullpen featuring fresher arms.
While some believe pitchers will adapt, there is still skepticism from those in baseball front offices. The state of the baseball itself will have more of a tangible effect on the game’s results than the clock.
In summary, athletes adapt, but that’s not the question. It’s a matter of, at what cost? Hopefully, there isn’t much of one. Right now, there doesn’t seem like there is one. We’re still digging into this as we go.
Serious News: nytimes
