Spring is here in Wisconsin, bringing longer days, back-to-back baseball practices, and games. With increased activity, shoulder injuries are common among baseball players. The most frequent issues are repetitive overuse injuries and shoulder instability. Physicians at Orthopedic & Spine Centers of Wisconsin (OSCW) are here to explain what these injuries are, how to prevent them, and the treatment options available to keep athletes performing at their best.
Overuse Shoulder Injuries: From Rotator Cuff Strain to Structural Damage
The shoulder provides the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body, but this mobility can come at the cost of stability. Rotator cuff (RTC) and biceps tendinopathies are especially common in overhead athletes, often worsening as spring practices intensify.
The RTC consists of four muscles, the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor, that stabilize the shoulder, keep the humeral head centered, and help decelerate the arm during throwing. Weak scapular stabilizers can further increase stress on the RTC and biceps, contributing to tissue breakdown over time. Repetitive throwing can cause microtears or, in more severe cases, full-thickness tears, leading to pain, reduced range of motion, and loss of throwing velocity.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Steward Berroa is currently sidelined with a grade 2 rotator cuff strain and could miss the first month of the season, highlighting how these injuries impact even elite athletes.
Early signs of rotator cuff injury include:
- Pain with overhead activity
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness or decreased throwing velocity
- Fatigue or decreased endurance during play
Labral Tears: Causes and Symptoms
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the glenoid, or “shoulder socket,” stabilizing the joint and anchoring the long head of the biceps tendon. Labral injuries can result from repetitive throwing, overuse, or acute trauma such as falls, slides, or collisions. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell missed most of 2025 after a headfirst slide caused a fractured shoulder socket and torn labrum.
Labral tears can catch or pinch within the joint, causing pain, clicking, instability, and weakness. In baseball, repetitive movements like throwing, swinging, and sliding can lead to microtrauma, making labral tears common among high-level pitchers. Interestingly, the extent of structural damage doesn’t always correlate with symptoms, some athletes perform at a high level despite significant tears, while others experience pain and limitations from smaller injuries.
Signs of a labral tear include:
- Persistent shoulder pain with overhead activity
- Weakness or drop in throwing velocity
- Clicking, catching, or “giving way” of the shoulder
- Shoulder instability during play
Treatment Options
Most rotator cuff and labral injuries begin with conservative care, including rest from aggravating activities, anti-inflammatory medications, and a structured physical therapy program. Therapy focuses on:
- Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
- Improving range of motion
- Gradual return-to-throwing programs
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgical interventions, such as arthroscopy or labral repair, may be necessary to restore stability, function, and prevent further injury.
Injury Prevention and When to Seek Care
Preventive strategies for spring athletes include:
- Gradual increases in throwing volume and activity intensity
- Comprehensive warm-up, mobility, and flexibility work
- Shoulder stabilization strength training
- Adhering to pitch count and rest guidelines
- Prioritizing recovery and rest between sessions
Seek medical care for persistent pain, instability, catching, or noticeable decline in performance. Early evaluation can prevent more serious injuries and shorten recovery time.
Physician Spotlight: Dr. Prosser, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Prosser, orthopedic sports medicine specialist at OSCW, specializes in shoulder instability and labral tears. His evidence-based approach aligns treatment decisions with each athlete’s goals, ensuring a safe and effective return to play. As a baseball coach himself, Dr. Prosser understands the demands of the sport and blends precise assessment with goal-oriented rehab and careful consideration of surgical options when needed.
Stay Ahead of Spring Injuries in Wisconsin
Spring sports are exciting and are meant to be enjoyed. Early evaluation of shoulder discomfort can help accurately diagnose patients and get them back to performing quickly and safely.
Schedule an appointment online or call 608-234-7436 to connect with an OSCW specialist.
