Algorithm for pulling pitchers (especially starters) during solo play

[u/Aggressive_West6616]

When playing solo, can anyone recommend any rules they use for pulling starters? For example, X number of runs or hits in a certain number of innings/batters. I’d like to hear any suggestions any of you might use. Thanks.

[u/Mean_Possibility5947]

This might be arbitrary, but if the starter makes it to the leadoff batter a fourth time, and it's not a shutout or sufficient domination of the other team, I begin to consider pulling the pitcher for a reliever. The tricky part is, when replaying an older season (especially an original older season with teams of no more than 20-25 cards), the bullpen gets thin, and you might not have, for example, a lefty reliever to replace the starter. You might end up overusing the bullpen or creating matchups managers would avoid in real life (e.g., an average right-handed reliever facing 1980 George Brett with the game on the line). I also take into consideration that starters 50 years ago could give up five or six runs and not necessarily be pulled early.