While diving and sidearm pitchers can be disruptive and unique, facing them isn’t impossible. For players who struggle against Buy mlb 25 stubsunorthodox arm slots, adapting to the movement and game plan of these pitchers is essential for offensive success. This article breaks down the best strategies for countering diving and sidearm pitchers in MLB The Show 25.
Identifying the Pitcher’s Arm Angle
Before the first pitch is even thrown, take a moment to analyze the pitcher’s delivery. If the pitcher throws from a clearly lower slot—either sidearm or submarine—it’s safe to assume that pitch movement will be unusual:
Horizontal Movement is dominant with sidearm pitchers.
Vertical Drop is a major feature of diving/submarine deliveries.
Understanding this can shape your hitting approach and timing expectations.
Hitting Strategy Tips
Adjust the PCI Location:
For submarine pitchers, aim low in the strike zone.
For sidearmers, focus more horizontally—look for sweeping pitches outside or inside, depending on handedness.
Look for Patterns:
These pitchers often rely on a smaller mix of pitches. Most will use sinker-slider combos, so be prepared for pitches to move out of the zone late.
Count leverage matters—if you’re ahead in the count, sit on a strike-heavy pitch like a sinker.
Use Zone Hitting (Not Directional):
Zone hitting gives you the best chance to react to the ball’s late movement.
Directional hitting often results in mistimed swings due to the unpredictable break.
Take Pitches:
These pitchers often rely on batters chasing movement. If you’re disciplined and willing to take a borderline pitch, you’ll often work your way into favorable counts.
Choose the Right Batters:
Power hitters with high Plate Discipline and Vision stats will fare better.
Use left-handed batters against righty sidearmers/submariners and vice versa for better sightlines and movement reads.
Best Batters to Use Against Sidearmers
Shohei Ohtani
Juan Soto
Yordan Alvarez
Freddie Freeman
Kyle Schwarber
These batters have solid discipline, power, and the ability to adjust quickly to awkward deliveries.
Pitch Recognition Drills
MLB The Show 25 offers batting practice modes where you can face specific types of pitchers. Use this feature to practice against sidearm and submarine pitchers by selecting:
Custom Pitcher types in Batting Practice.
CPU-controlled Adam Cimber, Tyler Rogers, or John Schreiber to simulate difficult arm slots.
Mental Approach
It’s easy to get frustrated facing these pitchers. Remember:
Don’t swing at the first pitch unless it’s up in the zone.
Stay relaxed and make each at-bat a battle. The more pitches you see, the better you’ll adjust to the motion.
Recognize fatigue—submarine and sidearm pitchers often lose control after 10–15 pitches. Extend the at-bat.
Conclusion
Sidearm and diving pitchers in MLB The Show 25 may seem unhittable at first, but with patience, pitch recognition, and an intelligent approach, they can be neutralized. By understanding their patterns and exploiting their limited pitch arsenals, you can turn these specialty arms into liabilities for your opponents.