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 to see if it will be in contention during our August Nastiest GIF Tournament. 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.
Logan Webb’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/bestsilentboutu
What an impressive first three starts for Mr. Webb. 16K to 4BB. At least 4 and 2/3rds in every start. Snapping off curves like this one (making Manny Machado look silly in the process). The Giants may be in a weird transition period, but Webb will cushion the pitching hardships that they have on the horizon.
Seth Lugo’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ampleancientankole
I love Seth Lugo (hard to say this as a Nationals fan). Converted starter, can go multiple innings, can bring 97 and snap off gorgeous breakers like this one. He is incredibly versatile and underappreciated in the current baseball zeitgeist.
Adam Ottavino’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/afraidquestionablebadger
Ho hum, another Ottavino slider GIF. I’d put my money on Ottavino being the most tagged pitcher during this season of “Nastiest Pitches”. Frankly, it isn’t hard to see why.
Stephen Strasburg’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/joyousmasculinedeer
With last night’s 8IP, 14K gem, Strasburg has opened the door to the “Cy Young Room”. Scherzer is falling behind in innings, Ryu has been mortal, Kershaw, well, Kershaw is right there with Strasburg. As of right now, the NL Cy Young race is the hottest award showdown out there. Lets see if changeups like this one can propel Strasburg to what everyone expected him to be out of college – a Cy Young winner.
Clayton Kershaw’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/neglectedimpassionedgelding
Kershaw may not be as dominant as he used to be (those were some historic heights), but, as alluded to above, he has once again planted himself firmly into Cy Young discussions. This curveball is surely of that caliber.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner may be featured in the September GIF Tournament.
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