Using Pitch-Tracking Metrics to Identify Warning Signs Immediately Prior to Acute Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Major League Baseball Players.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have been widely studied, no investigations have characterized the kinematics of acutely presenting UCL injuries or examined the pitch-by-pitch sequence leading up to ligamentous failure.

Purpose

To use Statcast pitch-tracking metrics from Major League Baseball (MLB) games to identify potential warning signs for acute UCL injury.

Study design

Retrospective case-control; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Seven MLB pitchers who sustained acute UCL injuries on a single pitch between 2020 and 2025 were retrospectively identified. Statcast data from the injury game and 4 prior outings were analyzed for each player. Five pitch-tracking metrics (velocity, spin rate, release extension, arm angle, and acceleration ma

SUBMITTER: Dillon MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717397 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature