Changes in performance following oblique strains in Major League Baseball players

Repetitive trunk rotation during pitching and batting predisposes the oblique muscles to strain. This study examined performance outcomes in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and hitters following oblique strain.

MLB pitchers and hitters who sustained an oblique strain between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively identified. Players with Baseball Savant and Baseball Reference data for the seasons before and after injury were included; those injured in their debut season were excluded. Paired t-tests and linear regression compared pre- and post-injury performance across the 2015-2024 seasons.

Eighty-five hitters and 72 pitchers met inclusion criteria. Hitters declined in SLG (0.43 to 0.38), OBP (0.323 to 0.303), OPS (0.749 to 0.686), BABIP (0.307 to 0.280), average exit velocity (83.3 to 82.3 mph), hard-hit rate (25.3% to 23.0%), and hyperspeed (91.9 to 91.5 mph; all p < 0.001), as well as OPS+ (103.2 to 92.0; p = 0.002). Among pitchers, only SO/9 declined (9.13 to 8.44; p = 0.030). Time to return was not associated with post-injury performance in either group.         .

Oblique strains were associated with broad declines in hitting performance but minimal change in pitching metrics. Rehabilitation counseling may be tailored by position, with hitters potentially requiring targeted strategies to restore rotational power.