Bailey Ober, starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, is on the injured list due to a mild flexor strain in his right elbow. He attributes the injury to slick baseballs used during his May 24 game against the Boston Red Sox, which he claims were improperly rubbed down. Ober expressed concerns about throwing with slick baseballs, alleging it forced him to grip harder and led to his injury. His team manager and the MLB Players Association have filed complaints regarding the baseball condition, though an MLB investigation found them compliant with league standards.

By the Numbers
  • Ober's last two starts resulted in a combined 11 earned runs over 9 2/3 innings.
  • This marks Ober's first stint on the injured list in his six-year MLB career.
State of Play
  • Ober is set to be shut down from throwing for 10 to 14 days as he recovers.
  • Conditions during the May 24 game included cold, rainy weather, which may have affected pitching performance for both teams.
What's Next

Ober's recovery timeline will be closely monitored, with potential impacts on the Twins' pitching rotation. If he can return without complications, he may resume play in mid-June. However, if the strain worsens, the team might have to consider longer rehabilitation options.

Bottom Line

Ober's experience underscores the need for consistent baseball preparation standards. If baseball friction can significantly impact player health, MLB may need to reevaluate how baseballs are prepared to prevent similar incidents in the future.