I have a “little” brother (23-years-old) who is a rookie for a top team I won’t name. He went into the group in top physical condition but seems to be on the disability list more than he’s off. First it’s the elbow, then the knee. Now it’s his back. Is this typical? Do they try and kill off their own rookies before the season even begins?

A rookie in baseball is defined as someone with fewer than 130 at bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club (excluding time in military service or on the disabled list) before September 1.

According to data collected for the disability list, rookies are more likely to injure themselves and take longer to recover (three weeks compared with three days for high-level players).

You won’t be surprised to hear that pitchers are more likely to injure their shoulders/arms compared with outfielders who have more leg injuries. Half of all injuries involve the upper extremity (arm). One-third affect the lower extremity (leg). And the remaining injuries are to the trunk and/or spine.

Practice injuries are highest during the preseason, probably due to deconditioning and overload. As the name suggests, rookies are “beginners” in a sense. With time, training, good common sense, and a little luck, more experienced players tend to have fewer and less severe injuries. They still spend their fair share of time on the disability list but they seem better able to bounce back into the game. Hopefully, the same thing will happen to your brother with a little time and a few more seasons.