In a promising development for Nationals fans, DJ Herz was spotted getting back into action, showcasing progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. But what really caught the eye was the black band on his left elbow, a gadget that's becoming a common sight among Nats pitchers this spring.
This intriguing device is the Pulse workload monitor, crafted by Driveline, with a price tag of $320. It's designed to help pitchers keep tabs on their limits by measuring arm speed and workload metrics.
If there's an unexpected drop in arm speed, it signals that it's time for a break. It's a smart piece of tech that aligns perfectly with the Nationals' forward-thinking approach.
The driving force behind this tech adoption seems to be Pitching Coach Simon Mathews. With a history of working with the Reds, who were early adopters of the Pulse device, Mathews brings valuable experience to the Nationals. His rehab expertise is evident in the emphasis on arm health at the Nats camp.
But this isn't just for pitchers on the mend. Even healthy arms are using the Pulse monitor to track their workload.
Early in camp, Brad Lord was seen sporting the band, indicating its widespread use among the team. It’s almost more common to see a Nats pitcher with one than without.
The Pulse monitor is just one of many new tech tools in the Nationals' arsenal. It’s not only about catching potential injuries but also about optimizing throwing plans. Knowing how far a player can be pushed without risking injury is crucial, and this tool is a game-changer in that respect.
Even the younger talents are getting in on the action. Landon Harmon, a third-round pick, was seen with a Pulse band during a bullpen session. For these young pitchers, understanding their limits is vital, and this device offers invaluable insight.
Veterans, too, can benefit. A few years back, Reds pitcher Nick Martinez shared how the Pulse band had been a significant aid for him. It’s exciting to see the Nationals embracing such innovative practices under the leadership of Paul Toboni.
Keeping pitchers healthy could be the next big breakthrough in baseball. While optimizing performance has often come at the expense of pitchers' elbows, finding a balance could give teams a competitive edge. The Pulse monitors are just the beginning of this journey, and it's exciting to see the Nationals taking strides in this direction.