Pinch Hit Friday #19 - Spencer Stockton on Managing Pitcher Workload
Feb 7, 2025
auto_awesome
Spencer Stockton, a pitching coach at Cressey Sports Performance Florida and former pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization, shares insights on managing pitcher workloads. He emphasizes the importance of workload management to prevent injuries and improve performance. Spencer discusses 'big rock' principles and the necessity of auto-regulation. He draws parallels to marathon training, highlighting the balance of recovery and practice. Effective communication among coaches and trainers is crucial for developing successful training regimens.
Effective pitcher workload management is essential to prevent injuries and enhance performance through structured throwing days and auto-regulation.
Peak injury risk periods occur at season transitions, highlighting the importance of careful scheduling and gradual acclimation for pitchers.
Deep dives
Understanding Workload Management
Workload management involves monitoring and regulating the amount of throwing a pitcher does to prevent injuries and enhance performance. It is crucial for players of all ages, especially given the high rates of injuries in baseball. Proper management allows pitchers' arms, which endure significant stress during play, to recover and maintain strength throughout the season. For instance, a reliever in Major League Baseball might pitch nearly half of their team's games, necessitating careful preparation to avoid injury while maximizing their pitching potential.
The Structure of a Workload Management Program
A typical workload management program comprises three main throwing days: low, medium, and high. On low days, pitchers engage in light throwing without intensive coaching or mechanical adjustments to keep them loose. Moderate days involve slightly longer throws, while high days incorporate more rigorous activities such as bullpens and long tosses. This structured approach helps pitchers maintain their throwing health by ensuring they do not overexert themselves, particularly after a strenuous high day.
The Impact of Timing on Injury Risk
The risk of arm injuries peaks at specific times in a baseball season, notably at the start of spring training and immediately after the all-star break. During these periods, pitchers often experience discomfort due to the sudden increase in throwing activity after time off or a lack of gradual buildup. Injuries can arise when players resume high-intensity throwing without a proper acclimation period. Therefore, careful scheduling of rest and preparation is essential, particularly for amateur athletes who often face increased injury rates when transitioning back to throwing after lengthy breaks.
In this episode, guest contributor and Cressey Sports Performance pitching coach Spencer Stockton discusses some of the key considerations for managing pitcher workloads. He digs in on "big rock" principles, the need for auto-regulation, and an awareness of when in the yearly calendar pitchers are most susceptible to injury.