You Pitched a Gem... But Did You Get the Save? A Guide to MLB the Show 23's Most Enigmatic Stat
Ah, the elusive save. It's the closer's crown jewel, a stat that separates the flame-throwing finishers from the guys just warming the bullpen bench. But in MLB the Show 23, getting a save can feel more mysterious than the ending of Lost (remember that show? No? Okay, moving on). Fear not, fellow pitchers (both virtual and aspiring), for I am here to shed light on this shadowy statistic.
How To Tally A Save In Mlb The Show 23 |
The Right Stuff (and the Right Time)
To snag a save, you gotta be the hero who enters the game at a critical juncture. Here's the breakdown:
- Lead of 3 runs or less: This is your sweet spot. If your team's ahead by a mountain of runs, it's not exactly a "save the day" situation, is it?
- Late innings: Ideally, you'll trot in during the 7th inning or later. The closer to the finish line, the more valuable your contribution.
Think of yourself as a fireman, but way cooler (and hopefully with better breath). You gotta come in when the pressure's on, not when the fire's already a smoldering pile of ashes.
Don't Blow It (Unless You're Practicing)
This one might seem obvious, but hey, it's worth mentioning. Once you're in that high-pressure situation, you gotta record the final out to secure the save. No fumbling the ball, no wild pitches sailing into the stands (although a strategically placed fastball to the batter's helmet might get you some serious social media cred, not recommended).
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Basically, be Mariano Rivera out there. Ice. In. Veins.
Bonus Round: The Art of the Setup Man (or Woman)
Look, closers get all the glory, but what about the guys who hold the lead before them? Don't worry, setup peeps, there's a stat for you too: the hold. To get a hold, you gotta come into a game with a lead of any size and leave with the lead intact. It's the unsung hero stat, but an important one nonetheless.
Think of yourselves as the hype men (or women) for the closer. You get the crowd pumped, you keep the fire contained, and then the closer steps in to finish the job.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to get a save quickly?
While there's no magic trick, playing on Moments or Mini Seasons allows you to jump into later innings where save situations are more common.
How to get a save if my starter pitches a gem?
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Unless your starter throws a no-hitter (in which case, congrats!), there's usually a chance to bring in a reliever for a save opportunity in the later innings.
Can I get a save if I blow the lead?
Nope. Gotta secure that win for your team. Blowing the lead is a recipe for a blown save and a grumpy manager.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How many saves do I need for a good season?
It depends on your role. A star closer might aim for 30-40 saves, while a setup pitcher might focus on racking up holds.
Do saves matter in Franchise Mode?
They absolutely do! Saves are a valuable stat for closers, impacting their trade value and contract negotiations.