I'm considering using some of my minor league future starting pitchers as relievers as they move up through the minors to get them more game appearances, is this the best way to drive their development to the maximum? Are there any downsides, negative effect on stamina or anything like that?

I might be in the minority but I haven't seen a significant difference between a RP with far more appearances and a starter that starts every 4-5 games. If anything it could potentially be useful in injury prevention than in development. I'm interested to hear others opinion on your thread.

I know there are some owners who believe that max appearances are the key to development, and I'm not going to say this to be contrarian.

I've played 65 seasons, and except for pitchers with compromised STA/DUR (like 10/50), I almost never have converted SPs to RPs.

In the minors, I use SPs in the SP rotation, usually one every five days. SO if you're going to tell me that EVERY Major League SP I've developed over 65 seasons, I've left two or three points of potential development on the vine? Maybe there should be a warning in the game instructions about that.

Posted by damag on 4/15/2023 9:56:00 AM (view original):
I know there are some owners who believe that max appearances are the key to development, and I'm not going to say this to be contrarian.

I've played 65 seasons, and except for pitchers with compromised STA/DUR (like 10/50), I almost never have converted SPs to RPs.

In the minors, I use SPs in the SP rotation, usually one every five days. SO if you're going to tell me that EVERY Major League SP I've developed over 65 seasons, I've left two or three points of potential development on the vine? Maybe there should be a warning in the game instructions about that.

I've been trying to maximize appearances over innings ever since I read (somewhere) that this matters most.
I don't have enough experience to affirm it is the right way for sure.

As for a warning in the game instructions for this potential development - yes a guide would be nice.
However, I feel like that way about every little nuisance I've learned which is not in the regular game guide.

What advice is 100% correct that everyone follows?
Maybe that is what makes this game fun, maybe it is frustrating for new owners.

There may or may not be a difference, but I go with a "maximise appearances" strat. 1. It eliminates the uncertainty; 2. It keeps pitchers near 100 percent energy.