“MLB The Show” Becomes A Key Tool For Red Sox Pitcher

Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito’s pregame prep has always leaned a bit unconventional, and in 2025, it still includes a PlayStation.

Before each start, including his July 4 start tomorrow morning against the Washington Nationals, the veteran right-hander will fire up the latest edition of “MLB The Show” and run simulations using his own avatar. The routine, which dates back to 2019, helps turn scouting data into muscle memory.

“There’s the visualization aspect, where I’m seeing myself execute the pitches the way I want to,” Giolito told The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

The 2019 season ended up a breakout for Giolito, and he’s stuck with his gaming prep method ever since. Even now, despite quirks in the game’s swing tendencies and pitch physics, Giolito believes the simulation sharpens his focus. He often runs one to three outings the night before taking the mound.

Giolito’s numbers (4-1, 3.99 ERA with 51 strikeouts) have rebounded after a rocky start to 2025. Following a mechanical reset, he has posted a 0.72 ERA across his last four starts with 25 percent strikeouts and only a 7 percent walk rate.

That streak comes after a long road back from elbow surgery, and it’s happening in a city he genuinely wants to stay in. Giolito has made it clear he loves pitching for the Red Sox and hopes not to be traded, even amid looming deadline chatter.

The video game sessions are also just one of many strategies Red Sox players and coaches are deploying this season to keep players sharp and engaged.

Despite a 68 rating in the latest software update, Giolito stays focused on real-world results.

“It gets the job done,” he said. “When I play, I pitch great.”

Friday morning, he’ll aim to make that true again, on the mound, not just the screen.