How to Set Up a Bullpen Game

Setting up a bullpen game in Franchise Mode is simple:

1. Go to your Pitching Rotation.
2. Highlight the rotation slot you want to adjust and set it to Empty.
3. Select the empty slot and choose Opener for Bullpen Game.
4. Pick your first reliever from the bullpen list on the right.

Once your game is set, focus on keeping hitters off balance and managing your bullpen like a chessboard.

Shutdown Pitching Tips

To dominate a bullpen game, you need to manage matchups, stamina, and pitch selection carefully.

1. Master the Bear Down Mechanic

The new Bear Down feature gives your pitchers limited boosts on certain pitches:

• High-leverage situations: Use charges when runners are in scoring position.
• Clutch Matters: Pitchers with a high Clutch (PCLT) rating earn Bear Down charges faster and can store up to four.
• Tip: Save your Bear Down pitches for critical outs late in the game.

2. Leverage Matchups (L/R Splits)

Relievers now perform differently against right-handed and left-handed batters:

• Lefty specialists: Use against tough left-handed hitters.
• Righty specialists: Match against right-handed batters to shrink their PCI and force weak contact.

3. Manage Stamina and Warm-Ups

Pitchers entering the game cold suffer immediate accuracy penalties:

• Warm-Up Strategy: Keep two pitchers warming up an inning ahead of time.
• Tip: Rotate relievers carefully so your high-leverage arms are fresh for the 7th–9th innings.

4. Bridge the Gap

Structure your bullpen like this:

• 1st–6th innings: Use long relievers or middle relievers.
• 7th–9th innings: Save your setup men and closer for high-leverage outs to prevent fatigue.

5. Utilize Real MLB Pitch Usage

In The Show 26, pitches are easier to control based on how often they’re used in real life:

• Primary and secondary pitches: Smaller Perfect Accuracy Region (PAR), easier to place on corners.
• Third or fourth pitches: Larger PAR, harder to hit spots consistently.
• Tip: Lean on your reliever’s main pitches when trying to shut down key hitters.

Extra Tip: Skip the Grind

For competitive players who want to focus on practicing instead of grinding, U4N is a trusted platform to quickly buy the show 26 stubs. This allows you to acquire top relievers or boost your bullpen depth without losing valuable training time.