Dominate The Mound: MLB The Show 22 Starting Pitcher Guide

Hey guys, if you're diving into MLB The Show 22, you know that having a killer starting rotation can be the difference between a season of glory and a quick trip to the bottom of the standings. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, developing, and deploying starting pitchers in MLB The Show 22. We're talking about the best strategies, the hidden gems, and how to get the most out of your guys on the mound. So, grab your virtual glove and let's get started on your path to pitching dominance!

Understanding the Starting Pitcher Landscape

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting your starting rotation, let's take a quick look at the core of what makes a starting pitcher effective in MLB The Show 22. Understanding the nuances of different pitch types, the importance of stamina, and the impact of player attributes is crucial for making informed decisions. Starting pitchers are the workhorses of your team, and they dictate the tone of the game. Let's break down the key elements that define a successful starting pitcher in the game. First, the pitch repertoire. This is the arsenal of pitches your pitcher brings to the mound, including fastball, curveball, slider, changeup, and more exotic offerings. Each pitch has its unique movement and velocity characteristics. The more varied the repertoire, the more difficult it is for the opposing batter to anticipate what's coming. Then, there's the control and break. Control refers to the pitcher's ability to consistently locate pitches within the strike zone. Break determines how dramatically a pitch moves. High break on a curveball, for instance, means the ball will dip sharply as it approaches the plate, making it tougher for hitters to square up the pitch. And we shouldn’t forget about velocity. While not the be-all and end-all, the speed at which a pitcher throws certainly plays a role. A high-velocity fastball can overpower hitters, especially when combined with good control and a deceptive delivery. Finally, there's stamina. Starting pitchers are expected to go deep into games. High stamina allows them to pitch more innings without a significant drop-off in performance. Stamina also means they'll be able to bounce back more quickly in between starts, allowing you to use them more frequently throughout the season. So, understanding these components is crucial to building a winning team.

Pitch Repertoire and Attributes

The most important step when building your roster is to ensure that your starting pitchers have a wide range of effective pitches. In MLB The Show 22, you'll want a mix of fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups to keep hitters off balance. A good starting point is to look for pitchers with a fastball that hits at a high velocity. Paired with a curveball that has good break to keep hitters from sitting on the fastball. A slider is always a good option to have in your arsenal. The slider can be thrown harder than a curveball, which will give hitters a different look. And, of course, a changeup to throw off the timing of the batter. Having a solid mix of these will give you a great advantage.

Attributes such as Control, Break, and Velocity are key. Control dictates how accurately the pitcher can place the ball, while Break affects the movement of the breaking pitches. Velocity is the speed of the fastball. Try to build a team with high marks in all of these attributes.

Stamina and Durability

As previously mentioned, Stamina is essential for a starting pitcher's performance. It allows them to pitch deeper into games, which is crucial for saving your bullpen. Look for pitchers with high stamina ratings. Durability is also very important, it affects a pitcher's ability to recover between starts and avoid injury. Higher durability means your pitchers will be able to pitch more often and stay healthy throughout the season. A starting pitcher with a high stamina score is more effective as they can go later into the game. This means that you don’t need to use your bullpen as early in the game. If you have to bring in your relievers in the middle innings, you will be limited to how many innings they can pitch later in the game. That is why it is best to have starting pitchers who have high stamina so you can rely on them to go late in the game.

Scouting and Evaluating Pitchers

Now, let’s talk about how to find the right starting pitcher for your squad. In MLB The Show 22, scouting is an important process to locate the ideal players for your roster. The game's scouting system will provide you with information about potential starting pitchers, including their stats, attributes, and potential. Take advantage of the scouting reports, and look for pitchers who fit your team's needs. The scouting reports in MLB The Show 22 are your key to uncovering hidden gems. These reports provide in-depth information about a pitcher's strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Pay attention to the following things: the pitch repertoire, the pitch mix, and the velocity of each pitch. See how they perform against left-handed and right-handed hitters. Evaluate their control and break ratings. Look for players who have a strong arsenal of pitches and good control, and are able to break the ball well.

Utilizing the Scouting System

To make the most of the scouting system, begin by setting up your scouting assignments. You can assign scouts to focus on specific regions, or on certain player types, such as left-handed starters or power pitchers. By tailoring your scouting assignments, you can target the players you need to build a better starting rotation. Pay attention to the Overall and Potential ratings of each pitcher. Overall rating is a good measure of their current skill level, while their potential indicates how much they can improve.

Identifying Hidden Gems

MLB The Show 22 is full of hidden gems. These are the players who may not be immediately obvious, but have the skills and potential to become stars. To discover these hidden gems, you need to dig deeper than just the overall ratings. Look for players with specific attributes that fit your team's needs. For example, a pitcher with a high break on his curveball, may be a great find. Look for the