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Continue ShoppingImplementing a 6-man rotation in MLB The Show 26 is a popular strategy to manage pitcher stamina, prevent injuries, and integrate two-way players like Shohei Ohtani. Because the game is natively coded around a strict 5-man rotation structure, running a 6-man system requires specific menu settings or manual workarounds depending on your preferred game mode.
This guide explains how to properly manage a 6-man rotation across various game modes in MLB The Show 26.
| Game Mode | System Support | Implementation Strategy | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Mode (Simulating) | Partially Automated via Logic | Set injury and roster management to manual; manually swap your 6th starter into the 5-slot before simulating games. | Prevents CPU logic from overriding your depth chart and automatically lowering ace stamina. |
| Franchise Mode (Playing All Games) | Fully Manual | Select your preferred starting pitcher directly from the pre-game team selection menu before loading into the stadium. | Total control over who throws; does not require shifting depth charts back and forth. |
| Diamond Dynasty | Not Natively Supported | Cycle a 6th starter onto your active bench squad while the other 4 starters rest and regain full stamina. | Allows you to bring a fresh, fully-rested starter out of the bullpen without draining your primary rotation. |
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If you simulate your franchise games, the CPU logic will automatically force a 5-man cycle. To circumvent this, use the following tactical workaround:
| Step | Action Required | Technical Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go to Franchise Settings and turn Injuries & Lineups to Manual. | Prevents the CPU from auto-fixing your rotation when players return from minor injuries. |
| 2 | Keep your top 5 starters in the primary Pitching Rotation slots. | Maintains standard roster structure so the simulation engine doesn't glitch. |
| 3 | Place your designated 6th starter in the Long Relief (LRP) bullpen slot. | Allows the 6th pitcher to slowly accumulate natural stamina recovery while on the active roster. |
| 4 | Before simulating a game, swap the 6th starter from the bullpen into the starting slot of the pitcher you want to rest. | Tricks the simulation engine into starting the 6th man while keeping your ace completely fresh. |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Maximizes Stamina Recovery: Pitchers almost always start games with 100% full green stamina bars. | Roster Space Penalty: Carrying a 6th starter wastes a valuable bullpen or bench slot on the active 26-man roster. |
| Reduces Injury Risk: Decreases the mathematical probability of high-stamina wear-and-tear injuries. | Menu Micro-Management: Requires constant manual menu adjustments before skipping forward on the calendar. |
| Two-Way Player Optimization: Safely gives two-way players regular rest days between pitching starts. | Limits Ace Volume: Your number one elite pitcher will throw fewer total innings over the course of a 162-game season. |
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