In MLB The Show 26, the bullpen is a key part of your game strategy, and understanding how to use attribute splits can make a big difference. It’s not just about throwing hard and fast; it’s about how well your pitchers match up against different types of batters. In this article, we’ll walk through what attribute splits are, why they matter, and how to use them to improve your bullpen management in the game.
What Are Attribute Splits?
In MLB The Show 26, each pitcher has a set of attributes, like pitch velocity, control, and movement. But more importantly, these attributes are often broken down into splits, which tell you how a pitcher performs against left-handed or right-handed batters.
For example, a pitcher might have a much higher strikeout rate against right-handed hitters than lefties. This is something you need to consider when deciding who to bring in from your bullpen.
How Do Attribute Splits Affect Bullpen Decisions?
Understanding and using splits is all about putting your pitchers in positions where they’ll be most successful. In real-life baseball, managers often match pitchers with the right handedness of hitters—this is called a "lefty-lefty" or "righty-righty" matchup. In MLB The Show 26, you’ll want to replicate this logic.
Let’s say you’re facing a team loaded with left-handed hitters, and you have a bullpen pitcher who has high velocity and great strikeout numbers against lefties but struggles against righties. The smart move is to bring him in when there are lefties due up. If the hitters are mostly righties, you may want to hold him back for a different spot or avoid him altogether.
How Can You Identify Useful Splits for Your Bullpen?
If you’re managing a team, it's important to know each pitcher’s splits. Here’s how you can check them:
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Player Card: Go to the pitcher’s player card in your bullpen. Under the "Pitching" tab, look for the "vs LHB" (versus Left-Handed Batters) and "vs RHB" (versus Right-Handed Batters) stats. These numbers give you a good sense of how the pitcher performs against different batters.
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Pitcher Traits: Some pitchers are specialists, meaning they have better splits against a specific hand of batter. For example, a left-handed pitcher (LHP) might have an advantage against left-handed hitters, but their numbers could drop off against righties. These attributes can be critical when choosing who to bring into a game.
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Pitching Styles: Some pitchers might not have extreme splits, but their pitches are well-suited for certain types of batters. A pitcher with a sinker, for instance, might be better at inducing ground balls against righties but struggle against lefties who pull the ball more.
By considering these factors, you can create an effective bullpen strategy that leverages your pitchers' strengths.
When Should I Use a Lefty or Righty Reliever?
Knowing when to bring in a left-handed or right-handed pitcher depends on the matchup. Here are some common scenarios:
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Facing Left-Handed Batters: If the opposing team has a few left-handed batters coming up, consider using a left-handed pitcher who has strong splits against lefties. This often means better strikeout rates or lower earned run averages (ERA) against left-handed hitters.
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Facing Right-Handed Batters: If you’re facing a team full of right-handed batters, you’ll want to turn to a right-handed pitcher who can handle righties effectively. These pitchers will often have better control or movement against right-handers.
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Matchups Later in the Game: Later in the game, when it’s crunch time, use the bullpen strategically. If you have one pitcher left with a strong split against the batter’s handedness, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger. The same principle applies if you’re facing a tough hitter in a critical situation.
What About Using Relief Pitchers Who Don’t Have Extreme Splits?
Not every pitcher in your bullpen will have extreme splits, and that’s okay. Some pitchers are simply more well-rounded and can handle both lefties and righties with similar success. These pitchers are especially useful when the lineup is mixed, or when you don’t want to burn through too many bullpen arms.
For example, pitchers with strong stamina or high ratings in both "vs LHB" and "vs RHB" can give you flexibility. You won’t have to worry too much about matchups and can just focus on their overall performance.
How Do Pitching Styles Play a Role in Matchups?
Pitching style is an important factor in bullpen strategy, too. Some pitchers specialize in pitch types that can be more effective against certain batters:
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Fastball-Power Pitchers: These pitchers are great against batters who struggle with velocity. If you’re facing a team with weaker fastball hitters, use a pitcher who brings the heat.
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Sinkerballers: A sinkerball pitcher can be especially effective against ground-ball hitters. If you’re facing right-handed batters who tend to pull the ball, a sinker can be an effective weapon.
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Breaking Ball Specialists: Pitchers who rely on curveballs or sliders might have great success against batters who swing at breaking balls. But keep an eye on the batter’s weaknesses—if they tend to chase off-speed pitches, these pitchers can be game-changers.
How Does Stamina Affect My Bullpen Strategy?
Stamina is an often-overlooked factor, but it plays a role in how much you can rely on a pitcher in tight situations. A pitcher with low stamina might have a great split against lefties, but if he’s gassed, his effectiveness could take a dive.
It’s always important to manage your bullpen with an eye toward each pitcher’s stamina. If you’ve been using a particular pitcher a lot, consider swapping them out before they lose effectiveness, even if the matchups seem favorable.
What Impact Do Attributes Have on Performance?
Attributes like velocity, control, and movement can impact how well your pitcher performs. In practice, a pitcher with high velocity can overwhelm hitters, but they might struggle with control, leading to walks or hit batters. On the other hand, a pitcher with great control but lower velocity might rely on getting hitters to chase pitches outside the zone.
Also, the ability to mix up pitch types is key. If you’ve got a pitcher who can throw off-speed pitches effectively, they can confuse batters, especially if you’re facing batters with weaknesses against those pitches.
When building your bullpen, always consider how your pitchers’ attributes align with their splits. The more well-rounded they are, the more flexibility you’ll have in managing your pitching staff.
How Do I Get MLB The Show 26 Stubs to Improve My Bullpen?
If you’re looking to strengthen your bullpen by acquiring specific players, you’ll likely need to buy stubs, the in-game currency. The MLB The Show 26 stubs price will vary depending on what you’re looking for—whether it’s player packs or specific cards. By investing in better bullpen arms, you can target pitchers with favorable splits or those who have unique pitch types that suit your strategy. Check the in-game market regularly for the best deals on stubs to maximize your team's performance.
Your bullpen is one of the most important aspects of your team in MLB The Show 26. Understanding attribute splits and using them to your advantage will give you a strategic edge. Pay attention to your pitchers’ splits, their pitch styles, and how their attributes match up with opposing batters. Whether you’re facing lefties, righties, or a mixed lineup, the key is to be flexible and make the right calls at the right time. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a bullpen that’s ready for anything.