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If you've spent any time playing MLB The Show 26, you've likely faced off against pitchers with devastating sinkers. The sinker is one of the most tricky pitches to handle, and while it can be a great weapon in the hands of the AI or your opponent, learning to read sinker movement can be the difference between making solid contact or striking out. In this article, we'll break down the basics of reading sinker movement, how to adjust your approach, and some tips for making the most of your at-bats. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, this guide should help you get a better handle on one of the most common and challenging pitches in the game. What is a Sinker, and How Does it Move?A sinker is a pitch that drops sharply as it approaches the plate, typically making it difficult for hitters to square up. It has a downward movement, often with a bit of arm-side run (moving toward the pitcher's glove side). When thrown well, it can make balls appear like they're coming into the strike zone before dipping low at the last second, often leading to ground balls or weak contact. In MLB The Show 26, the movement of the sinker will vary based on the pitcher’s attributes. The more movement they have on their sinker, the more dramatic the drop. Some pitchers throw a heavy sinker that almost seems to disappear as it reaches the plate, while others may have a sinker that moves more predictably. The key is learning how to spot the movement early so you can adjust your swing accordingly. How to Spot a Sinker in MLB The Show 26The first thing to understand is that a sinker can sometimes look like a fastball. The pitch starts out looking like a straight fastball, so you'll need to read it in real-time to figure out if it’s sinking. Here are a few things to look for: Pitch Speed: A sinker is typically thrown with the same speed as a fastball. This is why it can be tricky to pick up. Pay attention to the pitcher’s velocity, especially when you notice it's in the same range as a fastball or cutter. Pitcher’s Motion: Every pitcher has a unique windup and delivery. While you can’t always predict exactly where the ball will go, getting familiar with your opponent's pitching motion helps you anticipate which pitches are coming. Movement Indicator: In MLB The Show 26, you can use the movement indicator to get a sense of where the ball is headed. The indicator will show you the typical break and velocity of the pitch. The sinker’s downward movement will show as a sharp drop, often near the end of the pitch’s flight. Count and Situation: Certain counts and situations will make it more likely for the pitcher to throw a sinker. For example, if you're ahead in the count, a pitcher might throw a sinker to try and get you to chase a pitch low in the zone. On a 2-0 or 3-1 count, it’s common to see a sinker thrown as a “get me over” pitch, especially in the lower half of the strike zone.
How to React to Sinker MovementOnce you understand that the pitcher is throwing a sinker, the next step is to react to its movement. Here's what to keep in mind: Stay Patient: One of the most common mistakes players make against a sinker is to get overzealous and swing at pitches that are too low. Since the pitch drops so sharply, it's easy to think the ball is higher in the zone than it actually is. Instead of swinging early, wait for the ball to come into the zone and try to adjust to its late movement. Look for the Bottom Half of the Zone: Sinker balls generally end up lower in the strike zone, so make sure you're looking for them to appear around the knees or even lower. If you try to swing at a sinker up in the zone, you’ll often pop it up or miss entirely. Let the ball come to you. Timing Your Swing: Sinkers require precise timing because of the pitch's late drop. You need to ensure that your bat stays level and that you don't chase the ball down in the dirt. A good trick is to slightly adjust your swing and try to focus on hitting the ball with the bottom half of your bat. This will help you avoid whiffing on the drop. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Strike: A big part of reading sinkers like a pro is understanding when to lay off the pitch. If you’re facing a pitcher with a strong sinker, don’t be afraid to take a strike if it’s clearly low. This will help you get into better hitter’s counts where you're more likely to see a pitch you can handle.
Adjusting to High Movement SinkersNot all sinkers are created equal. Some pitchers throw sinkers with heavy movement, which means they can drop significantly at the last moment. This is where reading the ball early becomes even more important. Here are a few strategies to deal with high-movement sinkers: Use Contact Swing: A lot of players tend to go for power when they face a sinker, but that’s a mistake. Since the pitch has late downward movement, it’s best to use the contact swing. The goal is to meet the ball with a level swing and avoid any uppercut motions that could lead to groundouts. Watch the Speed: Higher movement sinkers are usually thrown with more velocity. Be prepared for a slightly faster pitch, which means you’ll need to react quicker than usual. Pay attention to the pitch speed indicator to make sure you’re not caught off guard by a faster-than-expected sinker. Adjust Your Zone: Some players will adjust their plate coverage when they see heavy movement. If you know that the sinker is going to dive low and inside, you might want to position your hitter a little further up in the box to increase your chances of making contact with the low pitch.
What About Dealing with a Sinker-Cutter Combo?A common combination from pitchers in MLB The Show 26 is the sinker-cutter duo. Both pitches can look similar at first, with the cutter having a bit of horizontal movement and the sinker dipping downward. It’s important to differentiate between the two, especially in 2-strike counts, when these pitchers are trying to get you to chase. Cutter: The cutter breaks away from you (if you’re a right-handed batter). The key is recognizing its lateral movement compared to the sinker’s drop. Sinker: As discussed, the sinker dives more sharply down. The key to handling both pitches is keeping an eye on the movement and adjusting your swing.
If you notice that a pitcher likes to pair the two, make sure you don’t get fooled by the cutter that stays higher in the zone. Trust your judgment to see the pitch all the way through, and focus on making contact on the right pitch. Can You Dominate the Sinker in MLB The Show 26?Absolutely. With practice, you’ll learn to read sinker movement like a pro. The most important thing is not to panic when the ball starts to dive. Take a breath, watch the pitch, and adjust your swing accordingly. The key is patience, proper timing, and keeping your swing level to avoid swinging over the ball. One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking to earn some MLB 26 stubs no ban is that improving your plate discipline against pitches like the sinker will ultimately make you a more valuable player. Being able to handle tough pitches will help you generate better results and give you more opportunities to increase your stubs by reaching higher levels and completing tougher challenges. Reading a sinker in MLB The Show 26 doesn’t have to be intimidating. By staying patient, understanding the ball’s movement, and adjusting your approach, you’ll be able to make solid contact with even the most frustrating sinkers. With enough practice, you’ll soon be handling the pitch like a pro and increasing your chances of success at the plate. Just remember to keep an eye on the pitch speed, watch the break closely, and adjust your swing accordingly.
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Posted 4 hour(s) ago
