Why the In-Game Bullpen Hurts Young Pitchers — What Coaches and Parents Need to Know | EMD Shorts
by Keith Glasser on Apr 21, 2026
The in-game bullpen is a common practice in youth and high school baseball — and one of the most damaging to a young pitcher's development. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down exactly why throwing a scheduled bullpen session during a live game instead of at practice is putting unnecessary stress on your pitcher's arm and quietly holding him back.
What you'll learn:
What the in-game bullpen is and why it has become so widely used at the youth and high school level
Why the intensity and effort level of a live game makes an in-game bullpen significantly harder than a practice session
How the quick turnaround between pitches leaves no room for proper recovery
Why the total pitch count always ends up higher than coaches and parents expect
How the added stress and length of an in-game bullpen session impacts a young pitcher's long term arm health and development
What players, coaches, and parents should be pushing for instead
This episode is essential listening for any coach running a pitching program, any parent with a son on the mound, and any pitcher serious about protecting his arm and maximizing his development.
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