*Editor's note: After being interviewed for the article, Zach Plesac was pulled after throwing 40 pitches in two innings against Bowling Green State University on April 23. After the game, head coach Rich Maloney said Plesac “wasn’t feeling right” and they didn't want to take any chances with injuries. At practice April 27, Maloney didn’t disclose an injury, but said Plesac is “on the D.L.” for now.
Pitch counts have become synonymous with arm injures in recent years, but today’s crop of collegiate pitchers are the first to come through a youth system with built-in limits.