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I keep pretty close watch on my favorite teams. Baseball is my top sport of interest. Is it just me or does it seem like more players than ever before are hitting the disability list? What's up with that? (I have my own theories but I'd like to hear yours).
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You are indeed right in your observation that reportable injuries (those that put a player on the disability list) have increased in the last few years. To be on the disabled list, players must have a specific diagnosis made by the team doctor.
The physician must certify that the player cannot play for a minimum of 15 days. Players can certainly stay on the disabled list for more than 15 days if necessary. The extended time is often needed when there is a severe injury or more than one problem at the same time.
According to a recent review of the Major League Baseball disabled list, injuries went up 37 per cent between 2005 and 2008. The reason for this finding is unknown but there is some speculation it may have to do with the change in drug testing. Just before the 2006 season, drug surveillance increased and was more strictly enforced.
There are some definite patterns to when injuries occur and what type of injuries are most common. For example, pitchers are more likely to injure their shoulders/arms compared with outfielders who have more leg injuries.
Practice injuries are highest during the preseason, probably due to deconditioning and overload. Rookies are more likely to injure themselves and take longer to recover (three weeks compared with three days for high-level players).
Injuries during games are far more likely during the first month of the season (April being the highest month of injuries). Injuries decline as the season goes on with the lowest month being the last month of the season (September).
In the most recent analysis of data from the disabled list, there was no difference in number or type of injuries based on whether the player was in the National or American League. In both groups, half of all injuries involved the upper extremity (arm). One-third affected the lower extremity (leg). And the remaining were injuries to the trunk and/or spine.
There is certainly room for injury prevention among all athletes including the American and National Leagues. Creating a national database to track injuries and results may help direct future studies. Less severe and even minor injuries among league ball players can still have a significant effect. The goal is to prevent injuries and develop better, faster rehab programs to foster recovery when injuries do occur.
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