I have a player who hits LH, yet he has a vL of 88 and a vR of 76.

I am assuming that the vL and vR ratings are piled on top of an assumed platoon differential that is built into the game, but that's only speculation.  In other words, my guess is that he would hit LHP way better than most other LH hitters, but it doesn't mean that he actually hits LHP better than he hits RHP.  Can someone clarify that I am interpreting these ratings correctly, at least as far as everyone other than the game developers can tell?  Thanks!

My assumption is that his vL rating of 88 would be modified by the pitcher's vL split when determining the outcome of a plate appearance.  LH pitchers are generally tougher on LH hitters than are RH pitchers, and that's reflected by the pitcher's splits.

I further assume that there is no specific "penalty" built into the engine for same-handed pitcher/batter matchups.  It's all done by individual splits for hitters and pitchers.

So it really all depends on the quality of LH pitchers vs RH pitchers that he faces during the season.

Got it, that makes sense.  He is one of my best players so I wasn't going to full-on platoon him either way, but when he needs a day of rest I can always decide when to rest him based on the vL split of the opposing pitcher.