Every morning, we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the Third Quarter Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList, and we’ll GIF it up and give you a shoutout here in the article.
Josh Hader’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/edibleuniqueagouti
Expectations were sky-high for Josh Hader following an incredible 2018 season. The fact that Hader has not only lived up to those expectations but also improved in many regards is a testament to how talented this kid is. His already astronomical 15.8 K/9 sits at 16.9 after Tuesday, and his 2.43 ERA from 2018 is now a 2.17 here in 2019. He’s been a bit more susceptible to the long ball this year, but watching Hader in action this season has been amazing.
Roberto Osuna’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/warpedpoliticalcondor
Back-to-back-to-back outings allowing an earned run isn’t ideal, but for Roberto Osuna, his ERA still stands at a very satisfactory 2.68. The 24-year-old has been spectacular since being traded to the Astros for Ken Giles, racking up 37 saves and a 2.34 ERA in 67 total games. Pitches such as this ridiculous changeup to embarrass Chris Herrmann are a big reason why.
Marcus Stroman’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/fairdrearyamericanmarten
In what could end up being his final start as a Blue Jay, Marcus Stroman put on a show, allowing just five hits and one earned run over seven innings of work against the Indians. Stroman has done well bouncing back from an atrocious 2018 season, dropping his ERA by a whopping 2.58, and the Jays should be able to get a nice little bundle for him on the trade market.
Charlie Morton’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/massiveagreeableinchworm
Honestly, I’m not sure what I can say about Charlie Morton that I haven’t said before. The 35-year-old leads the AL in ERA, is posting a career high in K/9, and most importantly, hasn’t gotten hurt. Sporting arguably the best curveball in baseball and seemingly only getting better with age, Morton has been one of the most fun pitchers in baseball to watch this year.
Tommy Kahnle’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/deepsarcasticbobcat
I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten to say this, but you seriously could have picked almost any pitch Tommy Kahnle threw on Wednesday to put on this list. The guy was dealing and lowered his ERA to a great 2.66 by striking out three of four batters he faced over 1.1 innings. The 29-year-old late bloomer is having by far his best season as a pro and should continue to be a great weapon out of the Yankees bullpen.
Vince Velasquez’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/unitedunnaturalcod
The question “Is Vince Velasquez good?” is one to which we may never get the answer as he is so, so frustratingly inconsistent. When he’s working though, as he was on Wednesday, he’s an absolute buzzsaw, mowing down batters like a weed whacker. His 4.46 ERA leaves much to be desired, with a very good 10.7 K/9.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the Third Quarter Contest.
[polldaddy poll=10371324]
Had to vote for Stroman because of his little jump after the call.