In a recent incident, Whit Merrifield of the Atlanta Braves was hit in the head by a fastball, causing him to lash out at the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball. He described it as „pathetic“ and warned that „something terrible is going to happen“ if there are no repercussions for throwing wildly inside. This incident highlights a serious issue in baseball that needs to be addressed promptly.
Merrifield’s frustration stemmed from the lack of control that pitchers seem to have over their pitches. He pointed out that pitchers are throwing harder than ever before, with no regard for where the ball ends up. This lack of remorse and consideration for the well-being of opposing players is a cause for concern. Merrifield expressed his disappointment in the fact that there are no longer repercussions for throwing inside and hitting batters, leading to dangerous situations on the field.
The consequences of wild pitches were evident in the injuries suffered by Merrifield and his teammates. Several Braves players, including star third baseman Austin Riley, center fielder Michael Harris, and veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, have been hit by high-and-tight fastballs in recent weeks. These incidents resulted in broken bones, missed playing time, and in some cases, serious health scares. Merrifield also mentioned other major leaguers who have experienced similar injuries due to inside fastballs, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue before more players get hurt.
As a member of MLB’s competition committee, Merrifield expressed his intention to discuss the matter with other committee members to find a solution. He highlighted the need for pitchers to have better control over their pitches and for there to be consequences for reckless behavior on the field. Merrifield’s call to action is a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of players in the league.
Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged Merrifield’s concerns and confirmed that he passed the concussion protocol after being hit in the head. However, Snitker also expressed frustration at the lack of repercussions for the pitcher responsible for the incident. This lack of accountability from both pitchers and officials puts players at risk and undermines the integrity of the game. It is crucial for managers and league officials to address these issues and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
The current state of pitching in Major League Baseball is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed promptly. The lack of control, consequences, and accountability for reckless behavior on the field poses serious risks to players‘ health and safety. Whit Merrifield’s outspoken criticism and calls for action highlight the urgency of the situation. It is imperative for league officials, managers, and players to work together to find solutions and ensure a safer playing environment for all athletes. Failure to address these issues could result in more serious injuries and threaten the future of the sport.
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