In Season 4, Episode 2 of Baseball Pitching: The Fix, Angel Borrelli and I discuss a number of topics that are relevant to every pitcher at every level from the little leagues to MLB.
Here are the show notes:
Trending Topics
Phillies starter Clay Buchholz suffered a partially torn flexor pronator mass, requiring surgery. What is a “flexor pronator mass,” and how can a pitcher prevent a tear? Baseball pitching motion troubleshooter Angel Borrelli explains.
Additionally, Yankees prospect James Kaprielian suffered a tear to his UCL, and will miss the entire 2017 season after Tommy John surgery. Angel and I discuss the warning flags preceding Kaprielian’s elbow injury — red flags that go all the way back to last year — and how the young hurler might have prevented the injury.
Finally, the current status of David Price is discussed; Price was shut down after his first spring training outing on February 28.
Teaching Moment
Continuing with David Price, Angel talks about a flaw in the Red Sox pitcher’s mechanics that could lead to elbow problems and other arm injuries. Price’s delivery is described by many as “throwing across the body,” and Angel explains why she prefers the phrase “stepping across the body.” Further, she applies fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to connect the dots between that kind of pitching style and undue stress that can be placed on the elbow joint. Might Price have avoided injuring his elbow if his stride was straight? Listen to the science and decide for yourself. Regardless, if you are a pitcher or a coach, you’ll hopefully learn why throwing across the body is a bad idea.
Getting It Done (with Science!)
In the final segment of the show, Angel answers a listener’s question about what pitchers should do after they come off the mound. Specifically, should a pitcher ice down his arm after a game? Angel presents the scientific facts and research regarding ice. Also, she answers a question about long-distance running the day after a pitcher’s outing — again, based not on theory but on scientific research. You may be surprised by the answers you hear for both topics.
Do you have a question or comment about this episode? Would you like a question answered in a future show? Please leave a comment below, email us, or call 872-666-1493 and leave us a voicemail (your message may be played on the show).