What Is an Inside Sinker and Why Is It Hard to Hit?

The inside sinker is a pitch that breaks down and in toward the batter, often ending up under the hands. It’s typically thrown by pitchers who have strong sinkerballs and are aiming to jam you on the inside part of the plate. The key difficulty with the inside sinker is that it’s tough to judge because it can either dive at the last second or break in just out of reach, causing you to swing at bad pitches or miss completely.

It’s especially tricky against pitchers who can control the pitch well. If you’ve ever faced a pitcher who consistently throws this pitch in the right spots, you know it feels like you can never get your timing right. But don’t worry, with a few tips, you can improve your ability to handle inside sinkers.

How Can I Track Inside Sinkers Better?

Tracking an inside sinker starts with recognizing its movement and adjusting your approach. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Watch the Pitcher's Hand and Release Point

The first step to tracking any pitch is paying attention to the pitcher’s release point. In MLB The Show 26, this is just as important for inside sinkers as it is for other pitches. When a pitcher is about to throw a sinker, look for subtle signs in their delivery. Often, they’ll rotate their wrist slightly more than usual when they go for a sinker. This can give you a small clue that the ball is coming in.

If you’re facing a pitcher with a distinct delivery, it can help you spot when they’re about to throw the pitch. With enough practice, you’ll start recognizing patterns and being able to predict whether they’re going to throw an inside sinker or something else.

2. Wait on the Pitch

Inside sinkers can sometimes look like they’re heading toward the middle of the plate, but then break toward your hands at the last second. This means that patience is key. Don’t rush your swing. Let the ball come to you and focus on making solid contact rather than trying to crush it right away.

The best way to wait on a pitch is by taking a small step back with your hands before you start your swing. This will give you the extra fraction of a second to judge the pitch better. Don’t be afraid to take a strike, especially if you’re unsure whether the ball will break inside or not.

3. Focus on the Bottom of the Zone

Sinkers tend to break downwards, and inside sinkers usually break low. This is where you need to adjust your focus. Instead of aiming to hit the ball where it looks like it’s coming at the top of the zone, lower your eyes and aim to catch the ball in the bottom half of the strike zone. If you see a pitch coming in low and inside, try to stay on it with a more level swing.

Paying attention to the bottom of the zone can also help you avoid swinging at balls that are too low to make solid contact with. You’ll be able to pick up those low inside sinkers more easily, and more importantly, you’ll be able to drive them instead of just fouling them off or letting them go.

4. Use the Right Batting Stance

Your stance can also play a big role in how well you can track inside sinkers. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best stance in MLB The Show 26, many players find success with a slightly closed stance when facing pitchers who throw inside sinkers. A closed stance can help you open up your swing more effectively and get around on the ball.

Additionally, make sure your hands are positioned in a way that gives you a quick, controlled swing. If your hands are too far back or too forward in your stance, it can throw off your timing when it comes to handling inside pitches like the sinker. A more balanced stance will give you better control over your swing mechanics, which is crucial when tracking inside sinkers.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Walk

Inside sinkers can often be thrown in a way that makes them look like balls, especially if they’re thrown off the plate or bounce just before getting to you. If you’re unsure about the pitch, don’t hesitate to lay off it and take the walk. In MLB The Show 26, patience can go a long way, and you don’t always need to swing at every pitch.

By working the count and forcing the pitcher to throw something else, you can avoid getting stuck swinging at a pitch that’s too difficult to hit. Plus, with a walk, you still get on base, which is the ultimate goal.

6. Use the Correct Timing Mechanism

One underrated way to improve your tracking of inside sinkers is adjusting your timing mechanism. MLB The Show 26 offers several timing options, like Zone or Analog. Using the right timing mechanism that suits your style can make a big difference. Many players find that Zone timing is especially useful for inside sinkers, as it allows you to focus on tracking the ball more precisely.

If you’re finding it difficult to connect with inside sinkers using your current timing settings, consider experimenting with different options to see if one feels more comfortable.

What Can I Do if I’m Still Struggling?

Even with these tips, inside sinkers can still be difficult to handle, especially if you’re facing a pitcher with a strong one. If you find yourself constantly struggling, consider making adjustments to your approach overall. Sometimes, it’s not about perfecting the inside sinker alone, but about improving your overall hitting mechanics.

Also, consider buying MLB 26 stubs for Xbox if you’re looking to improve your roster with players who have good hitting stats or strong sinkerball pitchers to practice against. This can help you better simulate the kinds of situations you’re facing in-game and fine-tune your approach.

Tracking inside sinkers in MLB The Show 26 requires a combination of patience, focus, and timing. By watching the pitcher’s release point, waiting on the pitch, focusing on the bottom of the zone, using the right stance, and making sure to use proper timing, you’ll be much better equipped to handle these tricky pitches. It might take some time to master, but with enough practice, you’ll start feeling more confident when facing those inside sinkers.