Declining Innings and Increasing Injuries: MLB Faces Challenges in Pitching Strategy
As the Major League Baseball season progresses, Commissioner Rob Manfred is grappling with a vexing issue: the dwindling innings delivered by starting pitchers and the related spike in pitcher injuries. The innings-per-start metric has seen a significant drop from 6.3 innings in 1984 to a mere 5.2 in 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on bullpens to navigate the intricacies of modern games.
Manfred has acknowledged the seriousness of the decline in innings pitched by starters and the associated injury concerns. "I do see both problems as pretty serious. I think the injury issue, our physicians have studied this carefully [and] they continue to believe that the focus on velocity and spin rate is a specific cause of the increase of injuries," Manfred said. The intense emphasis on velocity and maximizing spin rate appears to be taking a toll on pitchers' durability, leading to more frequent injuries.
While some have suggested imposing minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers as a potential solution, Manfred is cautious about such measures. He believes that mandates might be "just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem." Instead, he favors exploring alternative measures that could incentivize teams toward nurturing pitchers capable of longer outings.
A Balancing Act: Incentivizing Longevity Without Compromising Performance
Manfred suggests that the league could encourage clubs to develop pitchers inclined towards lengthier game appearances by making adjustments to transaction rules. "I think it has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type," he stated. This could involve altering roster and transaction rules, thereby fostering an environment where teams are driven to cultivate pitchers with greater stamina and resilience.
A potential rule under consideration is the "Double Hook" concept, which ties a team's designated hitter slot directly to the duration a starting pitcher remains in the game. This could add another layer of strategy, compelling managers to weigh the implications of pulling a starter out of the game prematurely. As the expiration of the MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLB Players Association looms in 2026, such changes could form a pivotal part of future negotiations.
The Roster Shuffle: A Common yet Controversial Practice
One of the practices currently ingrained in the league involves frequent roster changes that ensure pitchers get rest after heavy usage. "One of the things that happens today, guy pitches three days in a row, he gets outrighted, they bring somebody else in to give him some rest, as opposed to him staying on the roster the whole time," Manfred explained. This roster juggling, while effective in providing necessary rest, raises questions about the long-term development of pitchers and their ability to build endurance across a season.
The Broader Impact: Marketing and Broadcasting Considerations
The significance of starting pitchers transcends their physical performance. They play a central role in marketing narratives and broadcasting dynamics, as fans often tune in to see marquee starters in action. Encouraging longer starts not only has potential benefits for pitcher health and game strategy but also enhances the overall fan experience.
As MLB continues to explore these complex issues, balancing the physical demands on pitchers with the strategic needs of teams and the broader business objectives of the league will require careful consideration. The discussions led by Manfred reflect a nuanced approach to an enduring challenge, aiming to preserve both the sport's competitive integrity and the well-being of its athletes.