Pitch-Specific Advanced Analytic and Pitch-Tracking Risk Factors for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Major League Baseball Pitchers

This study demonstrated that pitch-specific associations with UCL surgery exist compared with matched controls. Specifically, higher velocity fastballs, sliders, and changeups were all associated with UCL surgery, along with sliders with a higher spin rate and cutters with a longer release extension. Fastballs, changeups, and sinkers with superior ability (Pitching+) and command (Location+) were also associated with UCL surgery. While fastball velocity appears to play a role in the rise of UCL injuries, recent trends in decreased fastball usage and improved secondary pitches suggest that an increased focus on entire pitching arsenals is warranted. This study investigated a number of pitch-specific advanced analytic and pitch-tracking metrics as potentially new variables to assess UCL injury risk.

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Publication Details

Journal
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
Published
2025-04-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465251330564
Citations
7
Primary Topic
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
14.04
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article

Pitch-Specific Advanced Analytic and Pitch-Tracking Risk Factors for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Major League Baseball Pitchers

Michael A. Mastroianni, Alexander J. Rondon, Andrew J. Luzzi, Christopher S. Ahmad et al.
7 citations
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
14.04
article

Pitch-Specific Advanced Analytic and Pitch-Tracking Risk Factors for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Major League Baseball Pitchers

Michael A. Mastroianni, Alexander J. Rondon, Andrew J. Luzzi, Christopher S. Ahmad, Charles M. Jobin, Charles A. Popkin, Jamie Confino, David P. Trofa, William N. Levine, Kyle K. Obana, Jennifer A. Kunes, John D. Mueller
article en
7 citations

Abstract

This study demonstrated that pitch-specific associations with UCL surgery exist compared with matched controls. Specifically, higher velocity fastballs, sliders, and changeups were all associated with UCL surgery, along with sliders with a higher spin rate and cutters with a longer release extension. Fastballs, changeups, and sinkers with superior ability (Pitching+) and command (Location+) were also associated with UCL surgery. While fastball velocity appears to play a role in the rise of UCL injuries, recent trends in decreased fastball usage and improved secondary pitches suggest that an increased focus on entire pitching arsenals is warranted. This study investigated a number of pitch-specific advanced analytic and pitch-tracking metrics as potentially new variables to assess UCL injury risk.

The American Journal of Sports MedicineVol. 53(6)
NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital (US), New York Hospital Queens (US), Columbia University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
14.04
DOISourceOpenAlex
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