The Pitfalls of the Current State of Pitching in Major League Baseball

The recent incident involving Whit Merrifield being hit by an errant fastball during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies has shed light on the growing concerns regarding the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball. Merrifield, who was hit in the head by a 94.5 mph fastball, expressed his frustration and disappointment with the lack of repercussions for pitchers throwing wildly inside.

Merrifield’s outburst highlighted the perceived lack of control that pitchers have over their pitches, leading to an increased risk of batters being hit by high-and-tight fastballs. According to Merrifield, the reckless nature of some pitchers throwing as hard as they can without regard for where the ball ends up is putting players at risk of serious injury.

One of the key issues raised by Merrifield is the absence of fear for pitchers hitting batters, knowing that there won’t be any consequences for their actions. This lack of accountability has created a dangerous environment where players like Merrifield are left vulnerable to potentially life-altering injuries without any form of retaliation or justice.

Impact on Players

The incident involving Merrifield is not an isolated case, as several other Braves players have also been hit by high-and-tight fastballs in recent weeks, with some suffering injuries that have forced them to miss playing time. The cumulative effect of such incidents is not only physical but also psychological, as players constantly live in fear of being hit by a pitch that could end their careers.

Merrifield’s call for action extends beyond his personal experience to a broader concern for the safety and integrity of the game. As a player representative on MLB’s competition committee, Merrifield plans to address the issue with other committee members to seek solutions that can prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of players.

The recent outcry from Whit Merrifield regarding the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball highlights the urgent need for reform. The prevalence of high-and-tight fastballs and the lack of repercussions for pitchers throwing wildly inside pose a significant threat to the safety and integrity of the game. It is imperative for MLB to take decisive action to address these issues and protect the players from unnecessary harm.