Every morning, the We Love Baseball crew reviews the Nastiest Pitches from the previous day’s games. If you see something you think should be included here be sure to tweet @PitcherList to let us know. Or, if you’re a PL+ Member and part of our Discord, shout it out in the Nastiest Pitches channel.
Michael King’s Sinker
On a night where the Aurora Borealis was visible in the skies of much of the country, Michael King electrified the air in San Diego all by himself. He struck out 11 en route to a dominant start against the mighty Dodgers. There were at least four or five more pitches from him that I could have included here, but this was one of the filthiest I’ve seen all season.
Blake Treinen’s Slider
After missing essentially two full years, Blake Treinen has returned with a vengeance to show everyone that he’s still got the nastiest stuff on the block. His legendary slider showed up once again, claiming Jurickson Profar as its’ latest victim. Hat tip to PL Pro subscriber Knucklebear for calling this pitch out in our Pitcher List Discord.
Michael King’s Changeup
We return to the Michael King well for a changeup that had 23 inches of run. Yeah, you read that right. While we’re at it, his sinker above also had 23 inches of run. Incredible.
Yohan Ramírez‘ Sweeper
Yohan Ramírez attempted his best Blake Treinen impersonation here with a gorgeous slider that Michael Harris swung helplessly at. Good grief.
Justin Martinez’s Splitter
Justin Martinez, come on down! You’re the next contestant on today’s Nastiest Pitches competition. Cedric Mullins has had a frustrating season to this point, and your splitter caused his frustration to boil over after getting embarrassed by this pitch. That’s when you know you’ve done something right.
Joe Ryan’s Fastball
Let’s take a break from all the ridiculous movement and enjoy a good ol’ fastball from Joe Ryan. Sure, it’s a little low, but it’s still a strike. It’s a perfect pitch that completely fools Cavan Biggio. And he knew it was perfect as soon as he threw it, walking off the mound before the umpire even made the call.
Robert Gasser’s Sweeper
Congratulations to Robert Gasser, who earned his first career strikeout with this pitch. He made his MLB debut on Friday night and held his own against the Cardinals, tossing six innings of two-hit ball on only 79 pitches. I liked what I saw from him, and he’ll be pitching in a ballpark with a great camera angle for lefties. I think we’ll be seeing him again around these parts.
Anthony Bender’s Changeup
Anthony Bender was born to throw nasty stuff. It’s in the name. I have a thing for his changeup that I can’t quite shake, and this is yet another one that jumps through the screen and passes the “oof” test.
Patrick Corbin’s Slider
Patrick Corbin? Yeah, Patrick Corbin. He held the Red Sox to one run on Friday, and while he’s a shell of his former self, he’s still got some nasty stuff in him. Anytime you can fool Rafael Devers into looking like a Double-A hitter, you’re doing something right.
Trevor Rogers‘ Changeup
Trevor Rogers did not have himself a very good day, allowing four earned runs en route to a loss against a division rival. But one pitch is all that’s needed for our purposes, and he delivered with this filthy changeup. Thanks, Trevor. Job well done.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@KUWasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram