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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees Aug 19, 2023 Bronx, New York, USA New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole 45 kneels on the mound prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Bronx Yankee Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xWendellxCruzx 20230819_cec_cc1_103
via Imago
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees Aug 19, 2023 Bronx, New York, USA New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole 45 kneels on the mound prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Bronx Yankee Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xWendellxCruzx 20230819_cec_cc1_103
The discourse surrounding pitchers in modern MLB has changed over the years. This is understandable, given the changing nature of pitching, including injuries. The New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole is the best of both worlds, a modern pitcher who still has the old qualities of a steadfast ace.
But as Gerrit Cole headlines a list of injured star pitchers, questions begin to arise. Furthermore, with the divisive pitch clock, debates surrounding the pitching injuries are getting heated.
Gerrit Cole headlines a growing list of injured pitchers
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In recent years, more and more star pitchers have suffered big injuries or lengthy periods on the IL. But 2024 seems to take the cake. With Gerrit Cole, Kodai Senga, Justin Verlander, and Shohei Ohtani starting the season injured, it was a mess. But as the season has gotten underway, the list has only grown.
Most recently, Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber decided to get Tommy John surgery, ending his 2024 season. Eury Perez needed Tommy John earlier in the week.
Atlanta Braves ace and 2023 Cy Young runner-up Spencer Strider has also undergone MRIs due to discomfort in his right elbow. Both injuries are massive blows, with two aces potentially missing a lot of games. Jeff Passan said it best: “Pitching is a brutal business.”
Within one week’s time, Shane Bieber and Eury Perez have needed Tommy John surgery and Spencer Strider has serious elbow concerns. Gerrit Cole is out until at least June with elbow issues, too.
Pitching is a brutal business.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 6, 2024
2024 has been a brutal year for pitchers in terms of injuries. Furthermore, the number just seems to be growing. Several teams have suffered injury issues in the bullpen, including Gerrit Cole and the Yankees. It will be interesting to see how this trend develops as the season goes on, but a scorching question has come up.
Is the pitch clock impacting pitcher injuries?
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It is difficult to point out the pitch clock as the sole reason for a rise in pitcher injuries. This is due to the intensity of pitching and rising velocity also playing a part in wear and tear. Some pitchers have criticized the clock, whereas others have positive thoughts about it. 2024 has seen many of the top pitchers sidelined with a variety of injuries. This may or may not be due to the pitch clock being a direct cause or attributing factor.
But with Gerrit Cole, Kodai Senga, Shane Bieber, and other big names injured, there are questions that need to be answered. What do you think of the rising case of star pitchers getting injured? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Read More: Gerrit Cole Injury Update: Rosier Than Expected, Optimism High for Quick Comeback
