The explanation for the glut of Cubs pitcher injuries this year is " this is just the reality in 2026". That's likely very true, but is it an acceptable excuse? If we're doing something the rest of the league is doing, and the result is better velo/stuff and lower ERAs from pitchers but they're unable to stay off IL, then maybe it's time to reevaluate the wisdom of that entire strategy.
At what point do the benefits not outweigh the costs? Improving a pitcher's ERA by e.g half a run or a full run is great, but it's not useful if they aren't healthy and the roster is filled with replacement- level pitchers.
Would we rather have Steele and Horton putting up e.g 3.80 ERAs instead of Cy Young. numbers but avoiding multiple elbow surgeries?
It makes sense for the pitchers with borderline talent to take the risk, but what about everyone else? Will teams & players start taking the gas off the throttle a bit?