Every morning, the We Love Baseball crew reviews the Nastiest Pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. We want to bring you the highest caliber of nastiness possible, so if you see a nasty pitch, please tell us about it. You can tweet @PitcherList to let us know and we’ll give you a shout-out here in the article if your tip makes the cut.
As a bonus for PL+ members, let us know about a pitch on the PL+ Discord in the Nasty Pitches Channel, and if your suggestion is included the next day, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a free T-shirt!
Gerrit Cole’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/dependentsafeandalusianhorse
After loading the bases with only one out with a slender one-run lead against the Twins in the fifth inning, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole answered back in style. After blowing away the hot Jorge Polanco with a high fastball, slugger Josh Donaldson was expecting the same. Instead, Cole served up this phenomenal 91 mph changeup to nick the bottom of the strike zone. Ridiculously nasty pitch.
Kenta Maeda’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/blushingampleleonberger
It was only last week that I felt I could finally feature Kenta Maeda’s wonderful splitter after what has been a rough campaign for the former Dodger. Maeda looked to be on the way to another impressive start before forearm soreness forced him from the game somewhat tragically. Before he left, he did manage to grace us with his marvelous split-finger changeup. Luke Voit cut a frustrated figure after this 81 mph beauty.
Max Scherzer’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/hairydemandingduiker
Mad Max is looking more than comfortable in Los Angeles. Notching his third win in four starts for the Dodgers, Max Scherzer is doing exactly what the Dodgers hoped he would when they traded for him at the deadline. His cutter was on fire yesterday, striking out three batters including Jeff McNeil, who could do nothing with this 90 mph cut-fastball.
Hyun Jin Ryu’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/DirtyForsakenFlyingfish
The master craftsman was all over it today – Blue Jays ace Hyun Jin Ryu embarrassed hitter after hitter against the Tigers with his ability to throw the ball outside and get them chasing. Right from the off, veteran Jonathan Schoop couldn’t help himself by chasing every pitch Ryu lingered outside the zone. He eventually nailed him with this lovely 80 mph changeup just off the plate.
Aaron Nola’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/weightyweeglobefish
The Phillies bullpen once again managed to ruin a sensational outing for Aaron Nola. This remarkable 93 mph sinker with serious movement absolutely bewildered Trent Grisham, and the world of baseball to be fair! Poor Aaron with the no-decision after this one.
Joe Musgrove’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/JoyousAmbitiousBabirusa
Ok, a couple of the best hitters in the game are about to look pretty silly in the next two nasty pitches. First up, Phillies big-shot Bryce Harper. While Nola was dealing for the Phillies, hometown hero Joe Musgrove was quietly going about his business thanks to his illustrious curveball.
Josh Hader’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/ShabbyBogusIberianmidwifetoad
“Siri, show me the perfect slider.” That will be this 83 mph ripper from Josh Hader to strike out Ryan Zimmerman after coming into the game with the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Hader would go on to notch his 25th save of the season after this one.
Tyler Rogers‘ Slider
https://gfycat.com/JampackedMiniatureHarpyeagle
Another elite reliever, another nasty pitch. This time it is the Giants’ Tyler Rogers with a beautiful 72 mph upside-down slider to fell Chad Pinder.
Triston McKenzie’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/BigCircularBongo
After flirting with a perfect game in his last outing, Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie was sensational once again as he earned his third win of the season. The tall, rangy young righty delivered this nasty 82 mph 12-6 curveball to strike out MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani.
Kris Bubic’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/warmcheerfulflatcoatretriever
The learning curve for Royals starter Kris Bubic has been steep but he has approached his craft perfectly and is without a doubt the most improved starter over the course of the season. This lovely 82 mph changeup to strike out Frank Schwindel was perfectly placed. A true swing and miss for the youngster to build into his already impressive arsenal.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)