Managing Warm-Ups for Starting Pitchers in MLB The Show 25
In MLB The Show 25, the preparation of your starting pitcher is just as crucial as youmlb the show 25 stubsr bullpen management. When it comes to warming up your starter, timing and pitch variety are the keys to success. Here’s how to ensure your starting pitcher is ready to dominate from the first inning to the last.
Early Preparation: Setting the Tone To get your starting pitcher ready, it’s vital to begin the warm-up process before the game starts. Once you’ve selected your starting pitcher, initiate the bullpen session about 10-15 minutes before the game starts. This gives your pitcher time to get loose and ready before they take the mound. The early warm-up should consist of light tossing and getting the arm moving, but don’t overdo it with intense pitching, as the starter still needs energy for the game.
Full Warm-Up Routine A typical warm-up for a starting pitcher involves several stages. First, they should start with light tosses using the fastball to build up arm strength. After that, the focus should shift to mixing in secondary pitches like breaking balls (curveballs, sliders) and off-speed pitches (changeups, sinkers). For a more comprehensive routine, you can simulate game-like scenarios by throwing pitches to various locations, alternating between inside and outside corners or focusing on low and high zones.
Pitching to Game Conditions While warming up, you want to simulate the conditions of the game as closely as possible. If your starter struggles with control in the game, you can use the bullpen warm-up session to focus on their mechanics. For example, if your starter struggles with throwing strikes, have them throw more fastballs down the middle to avoid overthrowing or losing control early on. Alternatively, if your pitcher is a groundball specialist, emphasize sinking pitches during the warm-up.
Use of the Bullpen Warm-Up Menu In MLB The Show 25, you can adjust the warm-up routine through the bullpen menu, allowing you to either simulate a more game-like situation or use a more relaxed warm-up session. For a starting pitcher, a balanced approach works best, ensuring that the arm is loose, but not overtaxed before the game begins.
Pre-Game Strategy and Confidence One of the most overlooked aspects of a starter’s preparation is their confidence level. In MLB The Show 25, confidence plays a huge role in determining the effectiveness of your pitcher’s performance. If your starting pitcher’s confidence is low due to previous poor performances, you should spend a bit more time warming them up to get them comfortable. On the flip side, if their confidence is high, you may not need as extensive of a warm-up session.
Ultimately, preparing your starting pitcher properly can set the tone for the game. Start early, vary the pitch types, and make sure the pitcher is in the right mental and physical space before taking the mound.