Atlanta Braves legend laments on Spencer Strider and other players’ injuries

admin | April 19, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Atlanta Braves legend claims pitch clock isn’t to blame for injuries to Spencer Strider and other star pitchers.

While many players believe the pitch clock is to blame for season-ending injuries suffered by Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider and other stars, franchise legend Greg Maddux says the issue goes far deeper than sped-up games.

Last Monday, the Braves’ title hopes were dashed when it was revealed that Strider would require season-ending surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament. Unfortunately, he is one of many outstanding pitchers who have experienced similar occurrences early in the 2024 season, including Guardians ace Shane Bieber.

Greg Maddux stats (Career): 355-227 record, 3.16 ERA, 1.143 WHIP, 3,371 SO, 999 BB

Furthermore, Shohei Ohtani and Jacob deGrom were among several pitchers who required elbow surgery in 2023, the same year the pitch clock was implemented. It is why many, including Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen, blame its introduction for the recent spate of injuries.

However, Greg Maddux, one of the best pitchers in Atlanta Braves and MLB history, sees things differently.

Atlanta Braves legend says the real cause of pitching injuries is the idea of velocity over control

“When I started coaching, I noticed it. “I was at UNLV, and the guys would rather throw it 95 than take a guy out,” Maddux told Yahoo on Wednesday. “It’s like, ‘C’mon guys, we’re trying to win this baseball game.'” My brother, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, teaches pitch execution rather than spin rate or velocity.

“I’m not saying you have to take something off the ball to better find it, but the emphasis now on youngsters in high school and college is how hard they can throw. When I pitched, we were content with our fastball. We never tried to throw it harder, but we did it better than the guy you faced,” he explained.

The discussion over why there has been such a significant increase in serious pitcher injuries will continue throughout the season, but a league legend arguing a larger cause dating back years should be treated as seriously as pitch clock tweaks.

During his 23-year career with teams including the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs, Maddux won 355 games and four consecutive Cy Young awards. He frequently reached 91 MPH with his pitches, yet he had legendary control and movement.