Pitch Smart Risk Factors

Pitchers should refrain from throwing for at least two to three months per year and avoid competitive pitching for at least four months per year.

In 2014, USA Baseball and MLB teamed up to establish Pitch Smart, a series of practical, age-appropriate guidelines to help parents, players and coaches avoid overuse injuries and foster long, healthy careers for pitchers.

A primary goal of the Pitch Smart program was to help young players reduce arm injuries by providing a comprehensive resource for safe pitching practices.

While baseball is a relatively safe game to play at all ages, research has shown that pitching too much, particularly at a young age, can increase a pitcher’s risk of injury. To limit the likelihood of injuries caused by pitching with fatigue, the Pitch Smart guidelines included age-specific pitching limits and required rest recommendations for pitchers ages seven to 22.