MLB rule change is affecting pitchers far more than ever expected
Friends, I’ve been thinking. And I’ve thought a lot about this, and was reminded watching Skenes velocity dip nearly 2 MPH against the Redbirds on Thursday afternoon. Pitcher arm injuries in MLB have always been a thing.
But it feels more prevalent lately, and it certainly seems to be claiming some serious names. MORE: Mets make puzzling statement about their teams future direction The Pitch Clock Changed More Than Just Pace Since 2023, pitchers have been operating under a pitch clock—15 seconds with the bases empty, 20 with runners on, later adjusted to 18 seconds with runners. Major League Baseball got the pace it wanted.
But it didn’t just speed up the game—it fundamentally changed how pitchers work. And now the question is simple: Are pitchers’ arms paying the price? Pitching has always been violent on the body.
The UCL doesn’t just fail randomly—it breaks down from repeated high-torque stress, especially as fatigue builds and mechanics begin to slip. That part hasn’t changed. What has changed is how quickly pitchers have to reset between those high-stress throws.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, April 24, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Less Recovery, More Strain With less time between pitches, there’s less opportunity for the arm to recover—even in small ways. That brief reset matters: The forearm flexor group stabilizes the elbow The joint absorbs cumulative stress Mechanics get a chance to reset Take that away, and the strain compounds.