The eligibility of a player to pitch in a Little League® Baseball game is governed by a tiered pitch count that is tied to the number of pitches throw in a game. The pitch count determines how many days of rest are required before said player may pitch again in a Little League game.
Maximum Pitches Per Day is determined by league age. If limit is reached during an at bat you can finish out the batter.
13 yrs - 95 pitches
11-12 yrs – 85 pitches
9-10 yrs – 75 pitches
7-8 yrs – 50 pitches
Days of Rest Requirement – Baseball pitchers 13 yrs and under must adhere to the below days of rest requirement.
66 plus pitches – 4 days rest = Monday you can pitch again on Saturday
51-65 pitches – 3 days rest = Monday you can pitch again on Friday
36-50 pitches – 2 days rest = Monday you can pitch again on Thursday
21-35 pitches – 1 day rest = Monday you can pitch again on Wednesday
20 or less pitches – zero days rest = you can pitch the following day
If a pitcher reaches a days of rest threshold while facing a batter, they may finish out the batter and only be charged with the previous threshold. Ex: Prior to facing a batter the pitcher is at 63 pitches. The pitches throws six pitches to the next batter. The pitcher is charged with the 51-65 pitch count and requires 3 days rest before pitching again.
Catcher to Pitcher and Back Requirements
1. Any player that has played catcher for 4 or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on the same calendar day.
2. A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more, may not return to the catcher position the same day.
3. If the Catcher/Pitcher reaches the 20 pitch limit while facing a batter, they may complete the at bat and return to the catcher position.
4. A player who has not played the position of catcher, may pitch up to 40 pitches (can continue to finish out a batter) and retain their eligibility to play catcher on that day.
A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Intermediate (50-70) only: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.
Article on Arm Injuries
https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/the-number-one-risk-of-arm-injuries-continues-to-be-year-round-play/
Pitching information on Baseball pitch counts and daily thresholds
https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/pitch-count/
· Pitch Tracking
· Pitcher Eligibility
Printable version
baseball regular season pitch count rules.docx