Major League Baseball has addressed several problems over the years—be it pace or ace problems. But now, with the frequent injuries, several questions have arisen, prompting a comprehensive study of the league. There’s been a major transformation with the pitch clock coming in, infield shifts going out, and more. Coaches teach the game in a way that emphasizes speed and spinning ability. Is that the reason the game is changing and causing a lot of injuries? MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred thinks so. He has blamed the system, which is the cause of so many MLB pitchers’ injuries.

During a recent interview, when asked about the reason behind injuries not getting enough attention, Rob Manfred said, “I think pitching injuries may be one of the most difficult problems that we have confronted. First of all, the game is getting taught in a way that emphasizes velocity and spin rate so that by the time we get guys, they’re already damaged goods. We know that.”

So, based on the statement, coaches and scouts often push little league players to prioritize their velocity and spin rate. As a result, these young athletes push themselves too hard to capitalize on the opportunity, which often leads to injuries that sideline them from the game. But that’s not the only problem MLB is facing!

The injured athletes knew they would still receive compensation, so they had no reason to worry. MLB teams value velocity and spin rate. The system guarantees young players money whether they play or get hurt, which makes it easy to lure them in. Manfred continued to say, “So the incentives there that apply to the athlete are really misdirected. They actually encourage behavior that increases injuries.” Basically, the guaranteed money motivates them to put in more effort, making them prone to injuries quite easily.

Is there a solution to the problem?

Rob Manfred comes up with a solution that may help

Amid the debate surrounding the occurrence of injuries of pitchers, many people have suggested the pitchers pitch for six innings. However, Rob Manfred cleared the air, highlighting that it won’t work that way. Rather, for him, making some alterations to the incentives of both the franchises and the players could work just fine. “One of the things that allow clubs to focus on velocity and spin rate with impunity is the ability to run players in and out from a transaction perspective,” he was quoted saying. It indicates that the clubs can get players in and out anytime. And that’s a major reason behind prioritizing the velocity and spin rate. But that doesn’t end here!

Manfred cited some players’ names like Michael Schmidt, who throws 115 three days in a row. However, in case he goes back to Toledo, the club can bring another player who can throw pitches in that similar range. So, it’s basically an in-and-out situation and there’s no specific limit for it. Due to this, the clubs have the power to continue this again and again. So, Rob Manfred considers that there should be a limit to it. This will make the transactions less easy to carry out. Eventually, players will do what they have to do—perform better for the team and not think only about the money.

Do you think Rob Manfred’s idea can work perfectly or are there some problems associated with it as well? Let us know in the comment section below.