Timothy Kremchek, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the Cincinnati Reds, says his experience and research shows that 12-14 is the age when young pitchers are most vulnerable. He recommends pitchers not to throw curve balls before the age of 13 and limit pitch counts to prevent injury.
Two 2009 studies show curveballs are less stressful on pitchers than fastballs, and curveballs didn’t seem to contribute to throwing injuries in the young players. However, the authors of these studies caution youth athletes about throwing curveballs too early.
Read the report on youth pitchers receiving Tommy John Surgery.
Related Articles on Tommy John Surgery:
Hospital for Special Surgery Physician Performs Tommy John Surgery on Former Phillies Pitcher
Dr. Lewis Yocum Performs Tommy John Surgery on Washington Nationals Pitcher Stephen Strasburg
Dr. George Paletta to Perform Tommy John Surgery on Pitcher Adam Wainwright
