Baseball Performance

From Little League to the Big Leagues

Baseball isn’t just a game—it’s a craft that demands precision, power, and durability. As a former collegiate baseball player, Dr. Preston Arnold understands the unique demands of America’s pastime. Our baseball performance program combines injury prevention with performance enhancement to keep you on the field and playing at your peak.

Why Baseball Players Choose Evo PT

Dr. Preston Arnold’s collegiate baseball experience brings a unique perspective to your training. Having played the game at a high level, he possesses a deep understanding of baseball’s complex movement patterns, from the kinetic chain of pitching to the rotational demands of hitting. This experience translates into knowledge of position-specific demands—understanding why catchers need different hip mobility than middle infielders, or why pitchers require different training than position players. He appreciates the mental side of baseball, knowing how confidence affects performance and how fear of reinjury can limit return to play. Most importantly, his background ensures real-world application of training that actually translates to on-field performance.

Injury prevention isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a mission backed by sobering statistics. Research shows that 50% of youth pitchers experience arm pain during their season, but proper training and arm care can reduce injury risk by up to 40%. Early intervention when warning signs appear can mean the difference between a minor setback and season-ending surgery. Our comprehensive approach keeps you playing the game you love, season after season, without the fear of injury holding you back.

Performance enhancement at Evo PT goes beyond wishful thinking—we deliver measurable results. Our players typically gain 3-7 mph on their fastball through improved mechanics and strength, while developing better command through enhanced body control and consistency. Position players see improvements in bat speed and power through rotational training, along with enhanced fielding agility from our movement-based approach. Perhaps most importantly, players report significantly reduced arm fatigue, allowing them to maintain performance deeper into games and seasons.

Comprehensive Baseball Services

Our arm care program forms the foundation of healthy baseball performance. We begin with detailed throwing mechanics analysis, identifying inefficiencies that increase injury risk while limiting velocity. Comprehensive shoulder and elbow screening catches problems before they become painful, while our progressive throwing programs ensure safe return to competition. We develop velocity the right way—through mechanical efficiency and strength, not overuse. Every program emphasizes building both arm strength and the endurance needed to maintain performance through long seasons.

Injury prevention and treatment requires understanding baseball’s unique demands. UCL injury prevention (avoiding Tommy John surgery) combines load management with targeted strengthening of the muscles that protect the elbow. Our rotator cuff strengthening goes beyond basic bands, incorporating baseball-specific positions and speeds. Scapular stabilization provides the stable platform necessary for powerful, healthy throwing. We emphasize core control specific to the throwing motion and address lower body mobility limitations that force the arm to work harder than necessary.

Performance enhancement translates directly to on-field success. Rotational power development improves both pitching velocity and hitting power through integrated training of the entire kinetic chain. Our bat speed improvement programs combine strength training with movement efficiency to help you drive the ball with authority. Sprint speed training helps you beat out infield hits and steal bases, while agility and reaction time work improves your defensive range. Every athlete receives position-specific training that addresses their unique demands, whether that’s the explosive first step of a middle infielder or the repeated squatting of a catcher.

Return to throwing after injury requires patience and progression. Our post-injury throwing progressions follow evidence-based timelines that respect tissue healing while progressively building tolerance. Post-surgical rehabilitation coordinates closely with your surgeon to ensure optimal outcomes. We refine mechanics to reduce stress on healing tissues while maintaining performance. Throughout the process, we focus on confidence restoration, because returning from injury is as much mental as physical. Performance testing at each phase ensures you’re truly ready for the next level of activity.

Age-Specific Programs

Youth players (ages 8-12) need training that builds athleticism while keeping baseball fun. Our programs for young athletes emphasize engaging exercises that develop foundational movement patterns—the building blocks of all athletic skills. We introduce basic arm care education in age-appropriate ways, helping young players understand why warming up matters without creating fear. Multi-directional athleticism development ensures they’re not just baseball players but well-rounded athletes, while establishing injury prevention habits early creates a foundation for long, healthy careers.

High school players (ages 13-18) face increasing competitive demands and college recruitment pressure. Our programs provide advanced arm care protocols that match their increased throwing volumes and intensities. We develop velocity safely through proper progression and mechanical efficiency, never through excessive throwing. College prep training addresses the physical demands of the next level while nutrition education fuels growth and performance. We also address the mental performance aspects that become increasingly important as competition intensifies.

College and professional players require elite-level support to maintain their careers. Our training matches the demands of high-level competition with advanced biomechanical analysis to find every possible efficiency. Return-to-play protocols get injured players back faster while ensuring they’re truly ready for competition. In-season maintenance programs keep players healthy through grueling schedules, while our career longevity focus helps extend playing careers by preventing the cumulative damage that ends many careers prematurely.

Position-Specific Training

Pitchers require specialized training that addresses the extreme demands placed on their bodies. We refine delivery mechanics to maximize efficiency while minimizing stress, developing individualized arm care protocols based on workload and injury history. Lower body power development drives velocity from the ground up, while core stability ensures efficient energy transfer through the kinetic chain. Recovery strategies become crucial for pitchers, who need to maintain performance while managing the inflammatory response from throwing.

Position players need versatility in their training to meet varied demands. Hitting power development combines rotational strength with timing and coordination to drive the ball with authority. Fielding agility training improves first-step quickness and change of direction ability crucial for defensive excellence. We enhance throwing accuracy through mechanical consistency and strength, while sprint speed development helps in all aspects of the game. Reactive training sharpens the split-second decisions that separate good players from great ones.

Catchers face unique challenges that our specialized programs address. Hip mobility work counteracts the effects of constant squatting, preventing the hip impingement common in catchers. Throwing mechanics from the crouch require different training than traditional throwing, emphasizing quick release and accuracy. We teach proper blocking techniques that protect the body while maintaining effectiveness. Lower body strength development focuses on the specific demands of squatting and explosive movements from the crouch. Recovery strategies address the cumulative stress of catching, the most physically demanding position on the field.

Our Baseball Approach

Movement First, Velocity Second

We prioritize:

Efficient mechanics
Joint health and mobility
Proper muscle activation
Sustainable techniques
Long-term development

Data-Driven Development

Track your progress with:

Movement screens
Strength testing
Range of motion measures
Functional assessments
Performance metrics

Common Baseball Injuries We Treat

Baseball’s repetitive nature creates predictable injury patterns we’re expert at treating. UCL sprains, the precursor to Tommy John surgery, respond well to early intervention combining rest, targeted strengthening, and mechanical adjustments. Rotator cuff injuries plague throwers at every level, but our comprehensive approach addresses both the damaged tissue and the mechanical factors that caused it. Labral tears in the shoulder or hip often sideline players, but many can return to play with proper rehabilitation.

Elbow tendinitis and lower back pain are endemic in baseball, often stemming from mechanical inefficiencies we can correct. Hip impingement affects both pitchers and position players, limiting rotation and power—our mobility and strengthening protocols restore function while preventing surgery. Hamstring strains from explosive sprinting and oblique strains from rotational activities require careful rehabilitation to prevent recurrence, which is unfortunately common without proper treatment.

The Arm Care Imperative

Every baseball player needs:

Daily arm care routine (10-15 minutes)
Proper warm-up protocols
Post-throwing recovery
Off-season strengthening
Regular movement screening

We provide all of this in a systematic, easy-to-follow program.