Why do MiLB managers make my SP into Closers?

[Fronzizzle]

Hello all,

I'm currently in the offseason after the 2029 season, and I just realized something odd.

I have my league setup so that I had promotions/demotions, but the minor league managers handle lineups, pitching staffs, etc. I have it set to use potential to make decisions (sorry, I forget exactly what it's called and I couldn't find it).

When I was going through the minors and promoting people, I noticed that almost all of my minor league managers - especially those in the low minors - are using my top SP prospects as closers. In my rookie league, for example, I have a 5-star SP prospect that has 75 stamina and the manager made him a closer, even though the five starters are all 2-star or less.

I know I can force them to start, just wondering why this would happen?

Also, will they develop the same if they are a Closer vs. SP?

[CBeisbol]

Originally Posted by Fronzizzle

Hello all,

I'm currently in the offseason after the 2029 season, and I just realized something odd.

I have my league setup so that I had promotions/demotions, but the minor league managers handle lineups, pitching staffs, etc. I have it set to use potential to make decisions (sorry, I forget exactly what it's called and I couldn't find it).

When I was going through the minors and promoting people, I noticed that almost all of my minor league managers - especially those in the low minors - are using my top SP prospects as closers. In my rookie league, for example, I have a 5-star SP prospect that has 75 stamina and the manager made him a closer, even though the five starters are all 2-star or less.

I know I can force them to start, just wondering why this would happen?

Also, will they develop the same if they are a Closer vs. SP?

You need to look at more than stamina.

The number of pitches they throw is more important. A pitcher who doesn't throw at least 3 pitches, and throw them well, is going to have a hard time as a starter.

[Fronzizzle]

The pitchers I've seen have three or more pitches, but only 2 that are good. Usually, they have a change-up that is 25/35 or 25/50.

Am I right in thinking that if I want the third pitch to develop (even if it's unlikely), they need to start?

[CBeisbol]

Originally Posted by Fronzizzle

The pitchers I've seen have three or more pitches, but only 2 that are good. Usually, they have a change-up that is 25/35 or 25/50.

Am I right in thinking that if I want the third pitch to develop (even if it's unlikely), they need to start?

Yeah, that's probably why

In my experience, and in reading about OOTP, that change-up rarely develops.

I can't say if it makes a difference starting vs relieving.