MLB The Show 23 Pitching Guide, Best Pitching Mode to Use
by Sakthi
Updated Apr 05, 2023
MLB: The Show
MLB: The Show, a popular video game series developed by San Diego Studio and published by PlayStation Studios, has captured the hearts of baseball fans and gamers alike. With its realistic gameplay and immersive graphics, MLB The Show has received widespread acclaim and has been the go-to choice for baseball simulation video games since 2014.
One of the most challenging aspects of MLB: The Show is pitching. It is not just about throwing the ball with speed and accuracy. It requires skill, precision, and strategic decision-making. Players must choose the right pitch type, location, and speed to deceive the batter and induce weak contact or strikeouts. In addition to pitch selection, players must also pay attention to pitch location. Sometimes mixing up pitch locations and changing speeds can keep batters off balance and make it harder for them to time their swings. So in the article, let us learn more about pitching in MLB The Show 23.
MLB The Show 23 Pitching Guide
Let us start with the guide to pitching for MLB The Show 23 in detail.
Mastering the Art of Pitching in MLB The Show 23
Pitching is a crucial aspect of MLB The Show 23, and understanding the nuances of the game's pitching mechanics can greatly improve your chances of success on the virtual mound. Whether you prefer to play as a velocity pitcher or a breaking ball specialist, there are key strategies and tips to keep in mind when taking the hill in MLB The Show 23.
Prioritise Control
While velocity and break are important attributes for pitchers, nothing beats having high control. The best pitchers in the game can consistently locate their pitches and hit their spots. Without control, your pitches may end up in the dirt, above the catcher's head, or right down the middle, resulting in easy hits for the opposing batters. So, make sure to prioritise improving your control attribute early on and throughout your career in MLB The Show 23.
Always target the corners.
In MLB The Show 23, hitting at the corners of the strike zone can be challenging, especially with certain hitting settings. However, it's important to make an effort to target the corners whenever possible, as hitting down the middle or on the sides can result in stronger contact from the opposing batters. Even if you see a "blue" zone down the middle and a "red" zone at the corners, don't be tempted to throw a pitch down the middle. This is often due to the surprise factor of a pitch down the middle rather than the batter's ability to effectively hit that location.
Don't be afraid of walks.
While walking batters is not ideal, there are situations where it can be a strategic move. For example, if first base is open and there is a dangerous hitter at the plate, it may be wiser to throw a close pitch and potentially walk the batter rather than give them a pitch to hit. Sometimes, batters won't swing at close pitches, resulting in a walk, but it's better than giving up a home run. So, be mindful of the game situation and consider using walks strategically to your advantage.
Mix Up Your Pitches
In MLB The Show 23, pitchers have five pitch slots to fill up their arsenal. It's a good idea to have at least two pitches that look alike and are close in speed. For example, a two-seam fastball and a cutter fastball can be effective when thrown in succession, as they have similar speeds but cut in opposite directions, confusing the batter and resulting in weak contact. Additionally, using a slider that breaks diagonally and a slow-breaking ball can also keep hitters off balance and generate swings and misses or weak ground balls.
Utilise Different Pitching Motions
In MLB The Show 23, human opponents have to visually track the pitches as they come in, which means the pitcher's motion can affect their ability to time their swings. Consider using different pitching motions, such as a sidearm delivery, to disrupt the timing of human opponents and make their swings less effective. Sidearm throwers can be especially effective as closers, as the ball may not appear to break until the last moment, making it difficult for hitters to make solid contact.
Rotate your pitchers.
Unlike in real baseball, there is no penalty for frequently switching out pitchers in MLB: The Show 23. Keeping a fresh arm in the game can help maintain the accuracy and effectiveness of your pitches. As soon as your pitcher shows signs of weariness, such as a drop in velocity or accuracy, don't hesitate to bring in a fresh arm from the bullpen. This can prevent opposing batters from getting too comfortable and guessing your pitches, especially against dangerous hitters.
Best Pitching Style MLB The Show 23
Pitching is a critical aspect of MLB The Show 23, and selecting the right pitching interface can greatly impact your performance on the virtual mound. Among the various options available, Pinpoint stands out as the best pitching interface overall, offering unparalleled precision. However, mastering Pinpoint can be challenging, as it requires precise tracing of patterns and timing of releases. Despite the learning curve, the effort invested in mastering Pinpoint can be rewarding, as it allows for pinpoint accuracy in pitch placement.
To overcome the challenges of Pinpoint, spending time in practise mode can be beneficial, especially for those who are new to the mechanic or feel less confident. It's important to note that the difficulty level can be adjusted independently from the pitching interface, so even if you're new to the game, you can still enjoy a slightly more forgiving experience while using Pinpoint. For players who struggle with Pinpoint or prefer a less demanding pitching interface, Meter can be a competent alternative. While not offering the same level of precision as Pinpoint, Meter is accurate enough for more casual players and can still result in success, particularly at lower levels of online play. However, for players planning to spend a significant amount of time with MLB The Show 23, it is recommended that they invest time in practising and mastering Pinpoint for the added accuracy it provides.
In addition to the pitching interface, adjusting the camera view can also impact pitching performance. Just as with hitting, changing the camera to the "pitcher" or "pitcher zoom" view can provide a better perspective of the strike zone, aiding in pitch placement and accuracy.
How to Change Pitching Style in MLB The Show 23?
Pitching style is a crucial factor in MLB The Show 23, as it determines how you deliver your pitches on the virtual mound. Fortunately, changing your pitching style is easy, and you can do it by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Access the Settings from the Main Menu
Navigate to the Main Menu in MLB The Show 23 and select the Gameplay section.
Step 2: Open Defence Options under the Control Tab
Press the right trigger (RT) on your controller to open the defence options under the Control tab. This will give you access to various settings related to pitching.
Step 3: Toggle the Option for Pitching Interface
Look for the option Pitching Interface and toggle it to switch to your desired pitching style. There are five pitching styles to choose from in MLB The Show 23:
Step 4: Choose wisely
Consider your comfort level and playing style when selecting your pitching style. Each style has its own unique mechanics and requires different levels of precision and skill. It's important to choose the one that suits you best to maximise your pitching performance in the game.
In conclusion, changing your pitching style in MLB The Show 23 is a simple process that can greatly impact your gameplay. By following the steps outlined above and selecting the pitching style that best fits your comfort level and play style, you can improve your pitching performance and dominate the virtual baseball diamond. So go ahead and experiment with different pitching styles to find the one that works best for you.
Submarine Pitchers MLB The Show 23
Submarine pitching, a unique method of throwing the ball from underneath, is a rare sight in today's baseball world. It is often employed by pitchers who may not have the velocity to throw over the top but can add significant movement to their pitches with this unorthodox arm angle. In MLB The Show 22, this pitching style can be a game-changer, as the low arm angle can be difficult for hitters to pick up, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. Currently, there are only seven pitchers in MLB The Show 22 who have submarine pitching animations available for use in the game. These pitchers are Steve Cishek of the Washington Nationals, Adam Kolarek of the Oakland Athletics, Ryan Thompson of the Tampa Bay Rays, Justin Lawrence of the Colorado Rockies, Joe Smith of the Minnesota Twins, Darren O'Day of the Atlanta Braves, and Tim Hill of the San Diego Padres. If you are creating a Road to the Show player and want to master the art of submarine pitching, selecting one of these pitchers can be a wise choice.
There are also notable submarine pitchers in MLB The Show 22 whose throwing animations are not available for created players but would potentially be overpowered if they were. Two such pitchers are Tyler Rogers of the San Francisco Giants and Eric Yardley of the Milwaukee Brewers. When Rogers throws the ball, his fingers almost scrape against the dirt, adding an extra level of deception to his pitches.
MLB The Show 23 Pitching Guide: FAQs
The best pitching style overall is Pinpoint, although it may be difficult to learn due to its high precision requirement.
Spending some time in the practice mode and ensuring that you trace the patterns perfectly and time your releases right can help you overcome the learning curve of Pinpoint pitching.
Yes, adjusting the camera to the pitching view named Pitcher or Pitcher Zoom can provide a better view of the strike zone, which can help you make more accurate pitches and improve your gameplay.
Submarine pitching is a method of pitching from underneath angle, often used by pitchers who don't throw hard enough from over the top. It adds more movement to pitches, but it's difficult to pick up in the game.
Currently, there are seven submarine pitchers with animations available in the game. They play for teams such as the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres.