The rate of pitcher injuries in baseball has been increasing in recent years, leading to concerns about the health and safety of pitchers. A wave of injuries involving top pitchers, including Shane Bieber, Spencer Strider, and Eury Perez, brought the issue to the forefront. Our MLB experts discussed the potential root causes of the injuries and the steps that can be taken to address the growing problem.
Angels reliever Robert Stephenson has undergone Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2023 season. The injury occurred during his rehab outing on April 13th and will require an internal brace to support the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament. Stephenson was expected to be the primary setup man for closer Carlos Estévez and was a key part of the Angels’ bullpen. The Angels have an option to bring Stephenson back in 2027 for $2.5 million.
Los Angeles Angels reliever Robert Stephenson will undergo Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure next week, sidelining him into the 2025 season. The Angels initially announced Stephenson’s elbow injury would force him to miss the 2024 campaign. Stephenson expressed optimism about an early return next year, despite the typical 14-16 month recovery period for Tommy John surgery. The injury has contractual implications, triggering a modest $2.5 million club option for 2027 instead of the conditional option for a serious elbow injury. Stephenson’s absence is a significant blow to the Angels’ bullpen, as he was expected to play a key role as a setup man after his impressive performance with the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider has provided insights into his UCL injury and the ongoing debate surrounding the prevalence of pitching injuries in baseball. After being diagnosed with a bone fragment lodged in his UCL, Strider underwent an internal brace procedure instead of Tommy John surgery and is expected to return within 12 months. While discussing his injury, Strider emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors contributing to pitching injuries and highlighted the importance of research and collaboration to address this issue.
