Why MLB pitchers are getting injured, according to Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani stands as the sole player across all Major League Baseball who is equally effective both at bat and on the pitcher’s mound. Unfortunately, the dual-threat athlete suffered an elbow injury last September, requiring surgery and rendering him unable to pitch during his inaugural season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.

The Japanese superstar is making strides in his recovery from the injury and continues to take significant steps in rehabilitation to return to pitching sooner than expected. Ohtani is already throwing from 45 feet with his right arm and will take to the mound in September for what will be his first simulated game to accurately gauge the condition of his right elbow.

Ohtani points to time limit injury reason

Ohtani is among the many pitchers who have suffered serious injuries in recent years and shared his opinion on the matter the Monday prior to the matchup against Minnesota. Reporters present at the time queried him about the recent injuries of Shane Bieber and Spencer Stride, both of whom will undergo surgery.

“I believe there’s extra pressure on pitchers when they have a time limit to execute their pitches. They have to be vigilant in preparing their bodies to throw pitches in a very short timeframe. Personally, I think this could be contributing to these elbow injuries, but I can’t confirm that as the sole reason,” Ohtani responded.

How long do pitchers have to throw?

Pitchers are allotted 15 seconds to deliver their pitch when the bases are empty and 20 seconds when they’re loaded. This rule was implemented last year by Major League Baseball to expedite games and has now been adjusted to 18 seconds when there are runners on base.

“Personally, pitchers want to make their best possible pitch every time. It’s not like I want to throw bad pitches, so the time limit they have could be a factor in the recent injuries over the past few years,” added the Dodgers’ designated hitter.