In this episode of Research Rundown, host Paul Buchheit of the Philadelphia Phillies sits down with Joe Benge of the Tampa Bay Rays for a big-picture conversation on injury prevention and the evolving role of research in baseball.

Together, they discuss how data and experience intersect in player care, how research should inform — but not dictate — clinical decision-making, and what current trends mean for athletic trainers working at both the professional and youth levels. The conversation also touches on workload management, long-term player development, and the responsibility of medical staffs to balance performance with protection.

A thoughtful discussion on how research can better serve the health and longevity of players throughout the game.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

Today we’re joined by Will Carroll, nationally recognized injury expert and author of Under the Knife. Known for translating complex medical data into clear, actionable insight, Will brings a unique perspective on baseball’s evolving injury landscape and what he famously calls the game’s “billion-dollar bleed.”

We dive into the financial and competitive impact of injuries across Major League Baseball, the data trends shaping modern sports medicine, and how teams can better measure and manage injury risk. Will shares his thoughts on workload, UCL injuries, biomechanics, recovery science, and how communication between athletic trainers, physicians, front offices, and analysts has changed over time.

This episode offers a candid look at the intersection of medicine, performance, and economics, breaking down what the injury numbers really mean for clubs, players, and the future of the game.

Check out Under the Knife on Substack here.

Learn more about Will here.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

On this episode of the PBATS Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Brooks, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tyler’s path to the big leagues is anything but typical, from his early career beginnings through impactful international experience in the Dominican Republic, Tyler brings a unique perspective on athletic training in professional baseball.

We dive into how his time in the DR shaped his clinical approach, built cultural fluency, and prepared him to navigate challenges in high-performance environments. Tyler also shares what it felt like to earn his first MLB role, the day-to-day realities of life on a big league staff, and how collaboration with veteran leaders and fellow young clinicians has strengthened the Pirates’ sports medicine team.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.