Pitcher Recovery time

Floridafan,
You might get some other opinions but mine is that on the college level, there should be a seperation between the two (either you are a position guy or a pitcher).
However, in the few times I have seen two way players, they are not middle infield guys, but first base, or outfield.

Thanks TPM. I know what you are saying but a starter became inelligable. Coach asked he he would pitch a few games for him...Primary position is and will stay up the middle.

Son enjoys pitching, but his future is not there.

I forgot to ask, is this on a regular basis or as needed?

As needed...Not in the regular rotation. Do you figure he would need to sit 1 game or just one or two days off? Not too many games back to back, usually a day or two off between...do you think that is enough down time to go back to his position?

Floridafan,
Tough situation that we dealt with on the high school level. Our experience was 2 days for throwing but 4 days for full recovery if pitching again. Have the coaches discussed a recovery plan with your son?

Have not heard of a "recovery" plan. But it would probably be a game every other week or so. I am mainly concerned about him getting ample downtime before assuming his position after pitching.

oh, ok, thought that was what you meant.

I think it depends on how many pitches, were they long or short innings, and of course should be dependent on how he feels. Perhaps it might not be best to play his position the next day (according to schedule) if he feels sore. And he should participate in some type of recovery, whether it be ice afterwards and running or specific stretching excercises, that's important. If you find him pitching more and more, it should be addressed with the coach on proper rest time for him.
If he has velocity and control and does well, unless he is a power guy at the plate, there are more opportunities for pitchers than middle infielders.
JMO

88-92 Excellent control, with power at the plate and a glove...but under 6'

His future should be as a hitter, but I am looking forward to watching him pitch again, its been years.

Thank you for your input. The last time he played 2 ways was in HS and the season only lasted 24 games or so and he would just come in to close.

This time he will be called upon to start and go who knows how many innings. He used to be efficient in HS, but this is a different level...

Just don't want anything bad to happen, this could be his year. Sophomore in a JUCO.

My husband still swears his son plays the wrong position.

I don't think that height has anything to do with it if at 88-92 if one can throw their pitches for strikes.

quote:

Arm gets a bit sore the day after. College level.

I am betting you are asking the question because you are concerned? I know I would be! You said 3 to 4 innings which could be 40-55 pitches or so. I don't think he should be throwing from SS the next day, in game situations! If he pitched Tuesday and followed a reasonable recovery plan he should be good to go Friday in the infield.

He hasn't "conditioned" his arm to that level of stress under those particular conditions. I think this scenario could be a recipe for an arm injury that could cost him playing time. JMO ...

Keep in mind that every pitcher "recovers" differently---some cannot comb their hair after throwing one inning the day before---others can go two three innings every day--others can throw 120 pitches plus and be ready to work from pen the next day if needed-- alot also has to do with what sort of baseball shape the player is in

Bottom line---there is no general rule

quote:

Keep in mind that every pitcher "recovers" differently---some cannot comb their hair after throwing one inning the day before---others can go two three innings every day--

Agreed. But what do say to this particular set of cirmstances involving a non-pitcher?

I agree with Prime.
Pitchers condition their arms and bodies much differently than position players. Starters prepare themselves differently than relievers and closers.

And you are talking about going from pitcher to ss, how many times have many stated that necessarily isn't a good combination. I have never seen a college level player go from pitcher to ss.

It all depends on how often and how much, which at that time perhaps a decision should be considered one or the other.

I don't blame you for having concerns.

quote:

but I am looking forward to watching him pitch again, its been years.

Pardon me for being a little simplistic here but do you think he might just be out of pitching shape? Based on what you said he hasn't pitched in years and I'm assuming he hasn't thrown many bullpens so far this preseason. His arm may need time and innings to get back used to the stress put on it by pitching.

Floridafan,

Sounds like an unusual situation. Kids that throw 88-92 mph have a way of ending up on the mound alot more than you may realize. I would have him talk with his coaches about conditioning as a pitcher. Sacrificing a little postion practice would be in his best interest and it sounds like the team needs pitching. Also, the baseball gods have a way of testing a college pitcher with a 35-40 pitch inning once in awhile and he needs to be ready for it.

He has long tossed year round for at least 5 years so his arm is in pretty good shape. But of course pitching is different, and he was sore the next day.

Come to find out he had accelarated his weight training around the same time so the soreness could be caused by the two situations.

I will moniter closely how many innings he pitches and how many pitches he throws. If it starts to interfere with his position play I will have him speak to his coach.

My hope for him is to continue to develop as a position player with a plus bat, I believe that is his coaches goal as well.

Thank you all very much for your insight, I really do appreciate everyones input. You guys are a sounding board for my concerns. I have never been here before as he is my first born son and I never really played outside of sandlot.

Sounds to me like he is a 'gamer' a competitive, who needs to be 6 foot give me the dang ball and I'll shove against these guys get 'em out and then by the way I'll hit a freaking 3 run triple next inning too kind of guy....

Don't worry about him....

Enjoy!!!!