Corey Seager and A.J. Pollock Used VR for Injury Rehabilitation
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently welcomed back two key players in Corey Seager and A.J. Pollock. Seager, arguably the National League’s best short stop since 2016, who suffered a left hamstring strain in early June and was placed on the DL on June 12. Pollock, on the other hand, underwent surgery for right elbow inflammation, and had been on the DL since April 28. As part of their injury rehabilitation program the two players utilized virtual reality (VR). This shows how the technology is being increasing used in MLB.
The Orange County Register reports that the two Dodgers used VR to “speed up the process of returning to action.” In particular, both used a VR headset to help them get acclimatized to the speed and atmosphere of an MLB game. “I think it helps,” Seager said about using the VR headset. Seager also took some practice swings wearing the device. Meanwhile, Pollock just tracked pitches via VR, though he shares Seager’s sentiments that the technology helps.
The Los Angeles Times covered The Dodgers introducing the innovation this spring and detailed how the VR headset accurately replicates various major league pitches, including the pitchers’ actual release points. In addition, the device simulates the actual backdrop of the MLB’s different stadiums. In effect, the player using it gets a virtual plate appearance, which can help them adjust to regular play faster.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is a firm believer than the technology works. “I definitely think it speeds up the process,” said Roberts. “Just training your mind, keeping your mind current, your eyes, the reaction, all that stuff. [Seager and Pollock] have been doing it religiously since the day they were on the IL, which is a credit to all those guys.”
VR is being widely used in MLB, not just to help with injury, but also to enhance the fan viewing experience. Coral’s article on the impact technology is having on sports outlines how VR is now used to live stream Major League Baseball games. VR-streamed games provide fans with a different experience, as they are given the chance “to get closer to the action and experience the same pictures and feelings that their heroes experience on a weekly basis.” And the league is now leveraging the technology for its fans. Fast Company’s feature on MLB’s VR-enhanced At-Bat app notes how the app, through VR, now offers viewers a catcher’s-view perspective of major league action. It features the same pitch tracking capabilities of the VR headsets used by Seager and Pollock, and lets fans see the hot and cold spots of a 3D strike zone.
The VR-aided rehab of the Dodgers’ Seager and Pollock, along with the MLB’s successful use of VR to enhance fan experience, proves that there is a place for VR in the baseball’s big league. It is highly likely that VR adoption will be even more widespread in the world’s best baseball league in the near future.
