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How Submarine Pitchers Counteract Fly Ball Hitters

Submarine pitchers possess a unique delivery style that inherently changes the trajectory and MLB The Show 25 Stubs movement of their pitches. This distinctiveness makes them particularly effective against fly ball hitters, who rely on timing and lift to drive the ball into the air for extra bases or home runs. Here’s how submarine pitchers counteract these hitters in MLB The Show 25:

1. Low Release Point Produces Downward Pitch Movement

The submarine delivery involves releasing the ball from a very low arm angle, almost sidearm or underhand. This low release causes pitches to naturally have a sinking or sweeping motion as they approach the plate. Instead of traveling on a relatively flat or rising trajectory, the ball dives downward.

Effect: Hitters find it harder to get under the ball, which is necessary to create fly balls. Instead, they tend to make contact on top or in front of the ball, resulting in grounders.

2. Inducing Ground Balls Over Fly Balls

Due to the sinking movement, pitches from submarine throwers often induce ground balls. This is the opposite of fly balls, which require the batter to meet the ball on an upward trajectory.

Why It Matters: Ground balls are generally less damaging than fly balls because they cannot result in home runs and are easier for the infield defense to convert into outs, including double plays.

3. Disrupting Batter Timing and Eye Level

Submarine pitchers also disrupt hitters by changing the batter’s eye level. Instead of seeing the ball come from a typical over-the-shoulder release, batters must adjust to a lower, more horizontal plane. This forces hitters to change their swing plane and timing, making it more difficult to lift the ball effectively.

4. Creating Unusual Pitch Movement Patterns

Submarine pitchers’ pitches often have lateral movement, such as sweeping sliders or sinkers, which can move away from the sweet spot of the bat. This movement not only leads to weak contact but also makes solid fly ball contact less likely.

5. Psychological Edge

Because submarine pitching is uncommon, hitters face a mental challenge when trying to adjust to the unfamiliar delivery. This can lead to frustration and poor swing decisions, further reducing the likelihood of solid fly ball contact.

Summary

In MLB The Show 25, submarine pitchers are a potent counter to fly ball hitters due to their low release point, sinking pitch movement, and disruptive mechanics. By inducing ground balls and disrupting timing, they reduce the risk of damaging fly balls and home runs, helping pitchers and cheap MLB Stubs teams control opposing power hitters more effectively.