Straightforward does it: MLB pitchers put together for traditional 162-game grind | Sports activities

FILE – The Washington Nationals, starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (right), walk with a member of the training staff on their way to the dugout after they play the game during the first innings of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore this Friday, August, have left. 14, 2020, file photo. Mike Rizzo, General Manager of the Nationals, said on Thursday February 18, 2021 that Strasbourg is “in preparatory mode rather than rehabilitation mode” during spring training after surgery in 2020.

FILE – In this file photo dated Feb. 28, 2020, New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman throws during the first innings of a baseball practice session against the St. Louis Cardinals in Port St. Lucie, Florida. MLB pitchers are desperate to shoot some fastballs and spin a few breaking balls after semi-normal spring workout begins. Trainers and leaders try to make sure everyone stays healthy.

FILE – In this file photo dated July 3, 2020, Scott Servais, manager of the Seattle Mariners, walks the pitch during a “summer camp” baseball practice session at their Seattle baseball field. MLB pitchers are eager to fire off some fastballs and spin a couple of breaking balls after starting semi-normal spring workout. Trainers and leaders try to make sure everyone stays healthy.

Sports journalist by DAVID BRANDT AP

PHOENIX (AP) – The sport of baseball, much like the rest of the world, longs for normalcy after a full year of disruption caused by the pandemic.

The familiar feel of February’s spring training session has led Steiner to unleash fastballs, spin a few breaking balls and prepare for the 162-game long haul.

But the message from trainers and managers is clear: no need to rush.

“The spring training lasts 50 days,” said Scott Servais, manager of Seattle Mariners. “To put that in perspective: our season last year lasted 66 days. So we have time. “

By Thursday, almost all 30 teams had started training for pitchers and catchers. Now organizations are working on how to manage their pitchers’ workload after most of them threw less than half of their usual innings in the 2020 season shortened by the pandemic.

Pitch count or innings limits are hardly new concepts. Organizations do everything in their power to protect their pitchers, especially elite prospects. Increasing the workload from 60 to 162 games provides just one more variable to consider.

The teams evaluate all kinds of strategies – including, in some cases, six-player starting rotations – to ensure they don’t overwhelm their arms.

The Washington Nationals are fortunate to have four veterans at the head of their rotation: three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and free-agent Jon Lester.