The Correlation Between DVS Scores and Throwing Arm Injuries in the 2023 Men's College World Series
Introduction
The recently concluded 2023 Men's College World Series (MCWS) shed light on an alarming correlation among highly regarded amateur pitchers. A significant number of these athletes were found to be at high risk of throwing arm injuries due to their pitching mechanics alone. With pitchers now throwing harder, often with high-risk mechanics, the industry is likely to witness a continued increase in significant throwing arm injuries. In this article, we will delve into the DVS Score distribution, compare it with previous studies, and emphasize the importance of addressing these concerns.
The DVS Score Distribution
Approximately 50% of all pitchers who received a DVS Score in the 2023 MCWS were considered at high risk of experiencing a throwing arm injury due to their pitching mechanics. This finding raises concerns about the potential increase in the rates of significant throwing arm injuries within the industry. As the average pitcher's velocity continues to rise, coupled with the prevalence of high-risk mechanics, it becomes crucial to address these issues proactively.
Comparison with Recent Studies
By comparing the DVS Scores from the 2023 MCWS with previous studies, we gain valuable insights into the evolution of pitching mechanics and their impact on throwing arm injuries:
2023 MCWS: Average DVS Score - 12.01
2021 MCWS: Average DVS Score - 12.91
2021 Top 50 Draft Eligible Pitchers: Average DVS Score - 13.1
2016 Top 50 Draft Eligible Pitchers: Average DVS Score - 12.7
2015 Top 50 Draft Eligible Pitchers: Average DVS Score - 12.3
These figures highlight a slight decrease in the average DVS Score among pitchers in the 2023 MCWS compared to the previous year's college world series. However, the DVS Scores of the top 50 draft-eligible pitchers remain consistently high, indicating an ongoing concern.
Findings from the 2021 MCWS
The 2021 MCWS provided crucial data that emphasized the magnitude of throwing injuries in collegiate baseball:
40% of pitchers who signed from the 2021 MCWS experienced throwing injuries since the event, with 13% requiring surgery. The pitchers who underwent surgery had an average DVS Score of 11.2.
Findings from the 2015 & 2016 Top 50 Draft Eligible Prospects
Studies focusing on the top 50 draft-eligible pitchers in 2015 and 2016 revealed the following:
50% of pitchers underwent surgery on their throwing arm.
70% of pitchers suffered a throwing arm injury.
The average number of innings pitched until surgery was 183.
The Timing Gap observed in the 2023 MCWS
A significant observation from the 2023 MCWS was the timing gap among pitchers at foot-strike. Only 13% of pitchers were considered "on-time" at foot-strike, meaning the angle of the throwing forearm should be close to parallel with the angle of the spine. Only 30% of pitchers were within 20 degrees of this ideal position.
Sample comparison of pitchers showcasing the varying difference between the angle of the spine and the angle of the throwing forearm. The lines should be close to parallel to signify being “on-time”.
The primary cause of this timing gap is attributed to the delay of pelvis rotation, resulting from the back leg not moving in the front plane early in the sequence of the delivery. This delay affects the subsequent rotation of the throwing shoulder and elbow.
The difference between the angle of the throwing forearm and spine plays a critical role in the proper rotation of the throwing shoulder and elbow. When this difference increases significantly, the midline of the torso must accommodate the movement of the throwing arm, often resulting in excessive external rotation of the throwing shoulder away from the midline.
The average angle difference between the forearm and spine for pitchers not on time in the 2023 MCWS was 39 degrees, whereas top pitchers like Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer, known for their durability and high velocities, have an angle difference of just 6 degrees.
MCWS DVS Score Distribution
Let's take a look at the average DVS Scores, along with the highest and lowest scores, for some of the participating teams in the 2023 MCWS:
Florida: Average - 11.7 / High - 15 / Low - 6
LSU: Average - 12.4 / High - 18 / Low - 8
Oral Roberts: Average - 12 / High - 17 / Low - 9
Stanford: Average - 13.75 / High - 19 / Low - 12
TCU: Average - 11.6 / High - 14 / Low - 8
Tennessee: Average - 11 / High - 17 / Low - 7
Virginia: Average - 13.5 / High - 17 / Low - 10
Wake Forest: Average - 12.14 / High - 17 / Low - 9
Conclusion
The DVS Score distribution in the 2023 Men's College World Series has highlighted a concerning correlation between highly regarded amateur pitchers and the risk of throwing arm injuries. The prevalence of high-risk mechanics, coupled with the increasing velocity of pitchers, raises concerns about the escalating rates of significant throwing arm injuries.
By analyzing the data and comparing it with previous studies, it becomes evident that addressing pitching mechanics and promoting injury prevention strategies are paramount in safeguarding the long-term health and success of young pitchers. It is crucial for the industry to prioritize education, research, and resources to reduce the risk of throwing arm injuries in amateur and professional baseball.
