Being able to mix pitches is a hallmark of good pitching technique, but not everyone has more than a few offerings they can really count on. Even the best pitchers in the sport will lean on one, two and maybe three pitches primarily while sprinkling in another pitch or two here and there.
Deciding which pitches to feature and which ones to use on a rainy day is typically a simple endeavor. A pitcher’s level of comfort and effectiveness with the pitch usually dictates the decision, although fluctuations in pitch usage from year to year for some pitchers shows that these things are not ironclad.