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 Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/watchfulshortanchovy
The phenomenal break on this sensational 85 mph knuckle-curve from Yankees ace Gerrit Cole to ring up Cleveland’s Eddie Rosario was simply filthy.
Shane Bieber’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/imaginativemisguidedkid
The battle of two of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball was also a battle of two of the best knuckle-curveballs in baseball. Shane Bieber matched his opponent nicely with this delightful 84 mph knuckle-curveball to jelly-leg Giancarlo Stanton.
Blake Snell’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/oldportlyirishterrier
From the battle of the knuckle-curveballs to the battle of the sliders – Blake Snell managed to get out of a jam in the 5th inning thanks to this ripping 87 mph slider to fell A.J. Pollock and keep the Dodgers at bay.
Trevor Bauer’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/shamelessangrylamb
Never to be outdone by anyone, the mercurial Trevor Bauer answered the challenge and embarrassed Manny Machado with 5 straight sliders. This delicious 83 mph effort finally got the K – stay for the nod of appreciation from Machado.
Freddy Peralta’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/recklessflatamericanindianhorse
Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta has looked much-improved this year and he credits the success of his new slider to a grip change he made after watching tape of aforementioned Trevor Bauer’s own slider. This nasty 80 mph effort has both swing and drop to fool Kris Bryant. Hat tip to PL+ member Mike Perugini for the eyes on this one.
Adbert Alzolay’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/ornerywildhammerkop
It was a good day for the slider-lovers throughout yesterday’s slate of games. I think Keston Hiura is still swinging hopelessly at this 86 mph Adbert Alzolay slider.
Genesis Cabrera’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/ficklecandidboto
Enough of the sliders, “give em the heater” as coach Lou Brown would say. I totally agree. Here is Cardinals reliever Genesis Cabrera painting the corner with a fierce 97 mph two-seam fastball to strike out Tyler Naquin.
Devin Williams‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/powerfulincompatiblecutworm
Devin Williams defies belief at times. Here is one of them – check out the release on this (well, I am going to call it) 84 mph screwball from The Airbender to strike out Matt Duffy. My favorite pitch of the day.
Chris Bassitt’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/hardtofindnaturalafricanparadiseflycatcher
Hold fire, I spoke too soon. This is my absolute favorite pitch from today – a wicked 94 mph Chris Bassitt two-seamer to strike out Maikel Franco. Wow!
Nathan Eovaldi’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/zestychubbybluejay
Oh, bloody hell…maybe this is my favorite? I just can’t deal! For your viewing pleasure, Nathan Eovaldi’s 89 mph split-finger fastball to belittle Mariners catcher Luis Torrens.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)