The Designated Hitter Debacle: A Guide to Getting Your Launchers Off the Hook (Literally) in MLB the Show 22
Ah, the Designated Hitter. The savior of pitchers with noodle arms and a love for hot dogs. The bane of purists who believe a pitcher should bat...well, like a pitcher (looking at you, pitchers who haven't hit a home run since dial-up internet was a thing).
But hey, you're here because you, like me, crave the strategic depth of having a big bopper take the place of your knuckleballer who throws softer than a kitten purr. Fear not, fellow Show gamer! We can unleash the hidden dingers within your lineup.
First Things First: Is There Even a DH Option?
Hold onto your hats (or helmets, for you pitchers out there) because this is where things get interesting. Unlike real life baseball, where the DH is as American as apple pie and questionable umpiring calls, MLB the Show 22 doesn't have a universal "turn DH on/off" switch. Bummer, right?
Don't fret though, there's still a way to play with the DH, but it depends on which mode you're rocking:
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March to October and Exhibition: Sorry, these modes are stuck in the "pitchers-gotta-hit" dark ages. Grab your elbow pad and prepare to be amazed by the hitting prowess of your starters! (Narrator: They likely won't be amazed.)
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Franchise Mode: Now here's where the fun begins! When setting up your glorious new franchise, you have the power to choose the league settings. Be the commissioner you were always meant to be! Head to the "League Settings" before diving into your save, and under "Gameplay" you'll find the beautiful option: "Use Designated Hitter." Slide that bad boy to "On" and prepare to witness a festival of home runs (courtesy of your actual hitters, hopefully).
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Road to the Show: This one's a bit of a gray area. You can't specifically designate yourself as a DH, but there is a workaround. If you create a two-way player, you'll have the chance to hit when you're not pitching. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time on the bench, as the game prioritizes your pitching role.
The DH Dilemma: A Farewell to Pitching Zen?
Look, I get it. Pitching is an art form. The dance with the hitter, the mind games, the satisfaction of a perfectly placed fastball. But let's be honest, some pitchers make swinging a bat look like they're trying to whack a piñata with a pool noodle.
Embrace the DH! Think of it as a strategic challenge. Who will you slot into that coveted DH spot? A veteran slugger past his prime? A young prospect with power potential? The possibilities are endless (almost as endless as the number of strikeouts your pitchers will rack up without the DH).
So there you have it, the not-so-secret secrets of enabling the DH in MLB the Show 22. Now go forth and dominate the league, one game-winning home run at a time (courtesy of your actual hitters, again, hopefully).
