In April, the total pitches per start rose to 87 from 78 last year (perhaps stemming from the sport’s lockout) and 83 in 2021. Pitches per inning have checked in at a three-year high, the second-highest over the last 10 years. Overall, they’re throwing more pitches, too. Even with the timer, pitchers are generally throwing just as hard - if not harder - for just as long. Starting pitchers have maintained their average fastball velocity the third time through the order. With runners on base, the story reads the same: Even more than with the bases empty, velocity has escalated. Here is what we know for sure: pitch velocity is up again, according to MLB senior data architect Tom Tango. Opinions ranged from dismissive to concerned about the pitch clock’s present and future implications for pitcher health, especially that we might see the effects manifest more as the season wears on.
The Athletic spoke to more than a dozen people in various roles, granting some of them anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly. And the early data, compiled by those working both in and around the game and reviewed by The Athletic, hasn’t completely quelled concern from some within the sport. The injury question, however, is more difficult to answer. But what about those worries about fatigue? The concerns that injuries would go up and velocity go down because of the pitch clock?Īfter the first month of the season, it’s clear that pitchers are throwing just as hard as ever, and going as deep into games as they were before, if not deeper. Assess.Īdditional reading: What we’ve learned in first 30 games of MLB season, from pitch clock to Rays to A’sĪnd now? It’s clear the pitch clock has shaved time off the game, creating a livelier playing environment. Those concerns shared space in their minds along with thoughts that they may be thinking too myopically, overly suspicious about something they truly didn’t yet have a solid handle on. They approached spring training with deep curiosity and mild trepidation. When clubs initially learned that Major League Baseball would adopt a pitch clock for 2023, some managers, coaches and players braced for trouble - just like Scherzer. The injury bug is going to be coming across the league.’ Get in shape. Personally, I have to look at this as, ‘What’s the worst-case scenario? Yeah, pitchers start dropping.
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