Another day, another pitcher taking a hit. This time, it’s Padres’ prospect Cole Paplham. Just days after Bobby Miller got nailed by a comeback liner, Paplham joins the unfortunate trend. With the Padres already in turmoil due to their ownership issues and depleting farm systems, they cannot afford another blow to one of their top prospects. The 105MPH ball could have been more devastating—but there’s a silver lining. Paplham was able to walk off under his own power.

Fans can take a sigh of relief at the fact that Paplham was standing on his own when escorted out of the field. The injury does not seem to be a major one, although he will now be on concussion protocol. However, this is the second instance in the 2025 spring training that a pitcher took a hit on his face, bringing the arguments for enhanced pitcher protection! So, what does Paplham’s injury mean to the Padres? Is this the time for the pitchers to get protection similar to the batters?

Cole Paplham is a valuable asset for the Padres

In 2024, Paplham was ranked San Diego’s No. 23 prospect. He produced a 4.82 ERA, 11 strikeouts, and 1.50 WHIP across 9.1 innings pitched. Additionally, he was leading the Padres’ farm system in saves with 11 as a former undrafted free agent. The Padres are dealing with a declining farm system as a result of their prospects being overtraded for a select few names, for those who are unaware. While the farm system is already depleted, injury to a top prospect is too expensive to afford for the team. So, is Paplham all set to pitch for the Padres again?

The recent updates seem promising for the team as well as the fans. Paplham walked to the back of a golf cart and was taken off the field. However, the hit was nasty enough to take to the face directly! It happened in Glendale in the 8th inning when Paplham got hit with a line drive from the Dodgers’ batter Aaron Bracho. It was attended by the physios and medical team on the field before escorting him away. While he seems fine after the hit, the hope is that Paplham did not sustain a severe injury and can continue his development in the minors.

Time for enhanced pitcher protection

Is this the right time to offer better protection to the Pitchers? While the batters are wearing helmets, nothing is evident for the pitchers, making them vulnerable to taking direct hits. Unlike batting helmets, head safety gear is not mandatory for MLB pitchers. They may wear any device they want as long as it isn’t deemed to interfere with play or conflict with licensing agreements. In not many cases, pitchers are sporting any head safety gear!

The line drives to the side of the head are considered more life-threatening. The recent injuries to Miller and Paplham are just a reminder of why safety gear should be made mandatory for the pitchers. There are counterarguments though, like restricted vision due to helmets, but it’s time to take the life threats seriously. 176 pitchers took direct batted hits in 2023, among which 18 were grade 4 and above level injuries! Something to think about.

It is getting too costly to afford Cole Paplham-like injuries. Making safety gear for the pitchers is the need of the hour, and hopefully, a few changes are expected this time.

What do you think—should MLB enforce protective gear for pitchers, or is it up to them to decide?