Most Important Pitching Health Concerns In MLB

Pitching is usually what separates teams when the Major League Baseball postseason rolls around, with the World Series hopes of many teams hinging on how affecting their pitching staffs are. In the case of some favourites to win the World Series heading into the 2019 MLB season, there are some issues with health among star pitchers that could torpedo the hopes of some of the teams considered most likely to win the title.

Luis Severino - New York Yankees

Without Luis Severino, the pitching staff for the New York Yankees wouldn't like one from a team with a chance to have success in the playoffs. And with Severino set to miss the first month of the season with a shoulder injury, the Yankees might be in danger of falling behind in the playoff race before the season hits its stride.

In the American League East, the Yankees have to contend with the defending champion Boston Red Sox for supremacy in the division. And with the Red Sox fresh off of one of the most successful seasons in recent baseball history, the Yankees can't afford to fall too far behind their hated rivals if they want to be in an advantageous position for October.

Of course, the loss of Severino might not directly end the team's chances of getting into the playoffs. But it could force the Yankees to settle for a Wild Card playoff berth, which would stop them from hosting postseason series later in the playoffs and could cost them dearly. However, the shoulder issues haven't stopped the Yankees from being co-favourites to win the World Series. World Series MLB odds on bet365 have the Yankees at +600 odds to win the Fall Classic, the same odds as the Red Sox and Houston Astros.

Clayton Kershaw - Los Angeles Dodgers

Getting to the World Series isn't as big a concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers as it is for the New York Yankees, as the National League isn't as difficult to traverse as the American League. But the Spring Training shoulder issues for Clayton Kershaw might be a long-term concern that could stop the Dodgers from reaching their championship goals.

Kershaw is seen as unlikely to be ready for the beginning of the season due to shoulder inflammation. Of course, for the Dodgers, it's Kershaw's postseason performances that have been the subject of scrutiny rather than his regular season play. But if he is missing time in the regular season, he will have less time to get to his best level for the playoffs.

It is an interesting case with Kershaw, who is later into his career than is Severino. Shoulder trouble is something that can be overcome, but the older a pitcher gets the more likely it is that any damage can have a lasting effect. Whether or not Kershaw can get over this and pitch at the highest levels remains to be seen, with the Dodgers hoping that he can get back to the Cy Young levels he has reached previously.

Most Important Pitching Health Concerns In MLB to MLB Baseball Blog

Top of This Page