In MLB The Show 25, managing your pitching staff effectively is just as important as hitting or fielding when it comes to winning games.One of MLB 25 Stubs the often-overlooked aspects of pitching management is warming up your pitchers.Proper warm-ups ensure that your pitchers perform at their best, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain stamina throughout the game.Whether you're playing Franchise Mode, Diamond Dynasty, or Road to the Show, knowing how to warm up your pitchers efficiently can give you a critical edge.This guide breaks down the steps, techniques, and best practices for warming up pitchers in MLB The Show 25.

Understanding Pitcher Warm-Ups

Pitcher warm-ups in MLB The Show 25 replicate real-life pre-game and in-game routines.The purpose is to gradually build a pitcher's arm strength, control, and velocity while also minimizing fatigue.In the game, warm-ups are indicated by the warm-up meter, which appears before a pitcher takes the mound or comes in as a reliever.The meter shows your pitcher's readiness and effectiveness for their next stint.Proper warm-up management is crucial, especially for relievers who may enter mid-inning without a full routine.

Warm-ups not only impact pitch velocity and accuracy but also influence stamina.A pitcher who hasn't warmed up properly is more likely to struggle with control, throw fewer strikes, and be at higher risk of injury.Therefore, understanding how to warm up efficiently can directly affect the outcome of a game.

Pre-Game Warm-Ups

Before the game begins, pre-game warm-ups set the tone for the pitcher's performance.These warm-ups are conducted on the virtual bullpen mound and simulate the typical practice throws a pitcher would make in real life.To perform a pre-game warm-up:

Select Your Starting Pitcher:Navigate to the pitching menu and choose your starter for the game.The game will automatically prompt a warm-up session before the first inning.

Perform Bullpen Throws:During warm-up, you can manually throw pitches or let the AI simulate throws.Manual throws allow you to focus on building specific pitch types, like fastballs or breaking balls.

Monitor Warm-Up Meter:The meter shows how prepared your pitcher is.Ensure it reaches optimal levels before the first pitch to maximize effectiveness.

Adjust Pitch Mix:Pre-game warm-ups are the best time to gauge control and adjust your pitcher's mix of fastballs, off-speed pitches, and breaking balls.This helps prepare for the opposing lineup.

Pre-game warm-ups are essential not only for starting pitchers but also for relievers who might enter the game early.Even if a reliever is not scheduled for immediate action, giving them a few warm-up throws in the bullpen can prevent cold starts that reduce effectiveness.

In-Game Warm-Ups

Once the game is underway, warming up pitchers becomes a dynamic process.In-game warm-ups are crucial when making pitching changes, especially in late innings.MLB The Show 25 allows you to control warm-ups manually or let the AI handle them, but knowing how to optimize this feature can give your team a competitive advantage.

Bullpen Management:Navigate to the bullpen menu and select the pitcher you plan to bring in.The game provides a countdown timer for the warm-up session.Starting warm-ups early ensures your reliever is ready when called.

Manual vs.Auto Warm-Up:Manual warm-ups allow you to throw a mix of pitches and build confidence in your pitcher's control.Auto warm-ups are quicker but less precise.For crucial situations, manual warm-ups are preferred.

Pitch Selection During Warm-Up:Use this time to practice your pitcher's key pitches.Focus on pitches that will counter the current hitters.This can increase effectiveness as soon as your pitcher enters the game.

Timing the Warm-Up:One of the most common mistakes is starting warm-ups too late.Give your pitcher at least 20–30 seconds for a full warm-up sequence, especially for relievers entering high-leverage situations.

Tips for Effective Pitcher Warm-Ups

To maximize your pitchers' performance, consider these tips:

Warm-Up Before Critical Innings:For relievers coming in during the 7th, 8th, or 9th inning, preemptively start warm-ups in the bullpen to avoid rushed preparation.

Monitor Stamina:A pitcher who warms up too aggressively may start the inning fatigued.Balance warm-up intensity with game strategy.

Customize Pitcher Routine:Every pitcher in MLB The Show 25 has unique strengths.Use warm-ups to emphasize their best pitches and minimize weaker ones.

Use Training Mode:Outside of games, practice warming up pitchers in training mode to familiarize yourself with pitch control and timing.

Managing Cold Weather and Injuries

Environmental factors and player condition also affect warm-ups.Cold weather can make pitchers slower to reach optimal performance, requiring extra warm-up time.Similarly, pitchers returning from injury may need additional warm-up throws to prevent re-injury.Always pay attention to the game's weather indicators and the health status of your pitchers when planning warm-ups.

Conclusion

Warming up pitchers in MLB The Show 25 is a vital part of any winning strategy.From pre-game bullpen routines to in-game reliever preparation, understanding the mechanics of warm-ups ensures that your pitchers perform at their best while reducing fatigue and the risk of buy MLB 25 Stubs injury.By monitoring the warm-up meter, practicing manual throws, and timing warm-ups strategically, you can maintain a competitive edge over the AI or human opponents.