Why Are More Young Pitchers Undergoing UCL Surgery? The Shocking Trend in Baseball
UCL injuries used to be rare in young pitchers, but today, more 15- to 19-year-olds are undergoing Tommy John surgery than ever before. Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why this alarming trend is happening, what’s changed in youth baseball, and how parents and coaches can help prevent unnecessary injuries.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
4/18/20252 min read
Why Are More Young Pitchers Undergoing UCL Surgery? The Shocking Trend in Baseball
Tommy John surgery was once a last-resort procedure for veteran pitchers, but today, teenagers are getting UCL reconstructions at an alarming rate. Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why more young arms are breaking down than ever before and what needs to change to protect the next generation of pitchers.
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Year-round throwing – Players are competing without an offseason, increasing wear and tear on their arms.
Velocity obsession – Young pitchers are chasing speed at all costs, often at the expense of mechanics and durability.
Lack of workload management – Many pitchers play for multiple teams, leading to excessive throwing without proper rest.
Earlier specialization – Kids are focusing on baseball too soon, skipping the athletic development that multi-sport athletes get.
The Long-Term Problem With Early UCL Surgery
Many teenage pitchers assume surgery is a fix-all, but the reality is:
UCL reconstructions don’t last forever – The typical lifespan of a UCL repair is 5-7 years, meaning young pitchers may need multiple surgeries in their careers.
The second Tommy John surgery has a lower success rate – Each additional procedure decreases the chances of returning to full strength.
The arm will never be the same – Even if a pitcher returns to play, mechanics, feel, and velocity may change permanently.
Not every player makes a full comeback – Some struggle to regain control, command, or durability.
How to Reduce the Risk of UCL Surgery in Young Pitchers
To keep young pitchers healthy, coaches, parents, and athletes must focus on prevention:
Limit throwing volume – Monitor pitch counts, innings, and rest periods across all teams.
Prioritize mechanics over velocity – A well-thrown 85 mph fastball is better than an injury-prone 90 mph fastball.
Encourage offseason rest – Taking breaks from throwing allows the UCL to recover.
Emphasize strength & mobility training – A well-conditioned body can handle more stress without breaking down.
Learn More About Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we educate athletes and coaches on how to train smarter, avoid overuse injuries, and extend careers.
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
If you wish to learn more about Dr. Zaremski’s work, visit:UFHealth.org.
#Baseball #TommyJohnSurgery #UCLInjury #PitchingHealth #InjuryPrevention #SoreToSoaring
