Controlling Pitch Count in MLB The Show 26

If you’ve been playing MLB The Show 26 for a while, you know how important it is to manage your pitchers effectively. A key part of that is controlling the pitch count. Not only does it affect a pitcher’s stamina, but it can also impact their effectiveness and your game strategy. In this article, we’ll cover why pitch count matters, how to manage it, and some practical tips for keeping your pitchers fresh throughout the game.

Why Does Pitch Count Matter?

The pitch count in MLB The Show 26 isn’t just a number—it’s a direct reflection of how much work your pitcher has done. Each pitcher has a certain stamina level, which decreases with each pitch thrown. Once they hit certain thresholds, their performance will start to decline. This includes decreased velocity, control, and an increased likelihood of giving up hits.

At the same time, the more pitches your pitcher throws, the greater the risk of fatigue and injury. This can lead to poor performance on the mound and make you more vulnerable to giving up runs.

In MLB The Show 26, the same logic applies as in real life. You want to avoid overusing your pitchers. The game does a great job simulating this, and understanding how to keep your pitchers fresh can give you a big advantage. Let’s break down how you can manage pitch count during a game.

How Do I Know When to Pull a Pitcher?

One of the most common questions players have is when to pull a pitcher. In MLB The Show 26, there are a few signs that can help you make the right decision:

1. Pitcher’s Stamina: This is shown on the UI, and as your pitcher’s stamina drops, their overall performance will get worse. Once stamina is low, it’s usually a good idea to start thinking about pulling your pitcher, even if they haven’t reached a high pitch count yet.

2. Pitch Count: While the exact number can vary depending on the pitcher, generally speaking, anything over 90 pitches should raise a red flag. If your pitcher is over 100 pitches, it’s almost always time to pull them, regardless of how they’re performing.

3. Game Situation: Sometimes, you might need to keep your pitcher in the game longer if you’re in a tight situation. If you’re up by just a run in the late innings, you might push your pitcher a bit further. Just be mindful of their stamina and performance, especially with high-leverage situations.

4. Pitcher Performance: If you notice that your pitcher is struggling—whether it’s due to wild pitches, giving up hits, or their velocity dipping—it’s often best to make a change, even if their pitch count is still manageable.

Remember, if your pitcher starts to struggle and you don’t make a change, the opposing team will take advantage. A tired pitcher in MLB The Show 26 can quickly lose control, leading to big innings. Timing your decision to pull the pitcher can be the difference between a win and a loss.

How Can I Control Pitch Count?

Here are a few strategies to help you manage pitch count and keep your pitchers effective throughout the game:

1. Mix Up Your Pitches: Don’t rely on the same pitch over and over again. If you only throw fastballs, the batter will catch on quickly. By mixing up your pitches—using sliders, changeups, curves, and more—you can keep batters guessing, which can lead to quicker outs and fewer pitches.

2. Focus on the Strike Zone: Be patient with your pitches and focus on getting batters to chase. If you’re throwing a lot of strikes, you might find yourself working deeper into counts, which leads to more pitches. Sometimes, it’s better to throw a few balls to get batters to swing at something outside the zone and create easy outs.

3. Use Quick Counts: If you’re just trying to get through the game quickly without worrying too much about pitch count, use the “Quick Counts” option. This speeds up the game by giving you a random count instead of starting every at-bat from scratch. While this can help you keep your pitcher’s pitch count low, it’s also important to remain strategic and adjust your approach accordingly.

4. Take Advantage of Double Plays: Whenever possible, try to induce ground balls for double plays. This can help you get quick outs and minimize the number of pitches thrown. The more ground balls you can generate, the fewer pitches your pitcher will have to throw.

5. Use Your Bullpen Wisely: If your starter is running up a high pitch count, don’t hesitate to go to your bullpen. MLB The Show 26 allows you to make these decisions in real-time, so don’t let a tired pitcher overstay their welcome. Keeping your bullpen fresh is just as important as controlling the pitch count of your starters.

6. Pay Attention to Batter Tendencies: Different batters have different preferences. Some hitters might chase pitches outside the strike zone, while others might only swing at specific pitches. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent, you can pitch more efficiently, saving both time and pitches.

Should I Always Take My Starter Out After 100 Pitches?

While it's generally a good idea to pull your starter around 100 pitches to avoid fatigue, you don’t have to follow this strictly every time. If your pitcher is in a groove and not showing signs of fatigue, you might want to push them a little further. If you’re in a close game or need innings from your starter, it’s okay to go beyond 100 pitches in some cases.

However, keep in mind that if a pitcher is over 100 pitches, their stamina will start dropping quickly. Even if they’re still getting outs, their effectiveness will likely take a hit soon. If you’re concerned about losing the game because of a fatigued pitcher, it’s better to make the change a little early than to risk a collapse later.

How Do I Handle Pitching in the Late Innings?

In the late innings of a game, pitch count becomes even more critical. If you have a lead, you want to keep your starter in for as long as possible, but you also don’t want to risk tiring them out.

Here are some tips for managing pitch count in the late innings:

1. Focus on Efficient Pitches: In the late innings, your pitcher will have less stamina. Focus on making each pitch count—throwing strikes and avoiding deep counts that tire them out.

2. Use Your Best Relievers in Tight Situations: If you’re in a high-leverage spot, you can pull your starter early and bring in a fresh reliever. MLB 26 stubs fast delivery can be helpful here, as you can quickly access a new pitcher to get those crucial outs when needed.

3. Consider a Defensive Substitution: In certain cases, you can bring in a defensive replacement for the later innings, saving your starting pitcher’s arm while also providing a fresh glove in the field.

4. Know Your Pitcher’s Limits: Every pitcher has a different stamina threshold. Some pitchers are built for long innings, while others are better suited for shorter outings. Know your pitcher’s strengths and use them accordingly in the late innings.

Controlling pitch count in MLB The Show 26 is one of the most important aspects of managing a game. By paying attention to your pitcher’s stamina, making timely substitutions, and using a variety of pitches, you can keep your pitcher fresh and effective throughout the game. Don’t forget that controlling the pitch count isn’t just about avoiding fatigue—it’s also about making smarter, more efficient decisions to get your team the win.