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!
José Berríos‘ Sinker
https://gfycat.com/spiritedecstaticindianabat
Wow, Blue Jays ace José Berríos struck out 13 batters across seven dominant innings against the Twins yesterday and he looked phenomenal on the mound. His two-seam fastball was on song, with this 94 mph sinker far too good for Jermaine Palacios.
Luis Severino’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/closeselfreliantelephantseal
The enigmatic Luis Severino has battled his fair share of injuries but so-far so-good this season for the Yankees starter. Let’s hope it stays that way so we get to drool over more lethal sliders like this 83 mph slider to ring up Javier Báez.
Beau Brieske’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/finequarterlydore
Beau Brieske does not have the hype or pedigree of some of the Tigers’ more heralded prospects, however the 24-year-old has been excellent so far on the mound through eight starts. His 0-5 record is certainly misleading as he has allowed two three hits or less in four of those starts, including yesterday against the Yankees. Here’s a vicious 93 mph sinker with ridiculous movement inside the gloves of Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Nick Pivetta’s Knuckle-Curveball
https://gfycat.com/poshmemorableargentinehornedfrog
The “Nick Pivetta Show” has been a regular enjoyable watch for Boston fans so far this season – the veteran was once again clean and effective against a miserable Oakland hitting line up. Pivetta allowed just two hits and struck out seven across seven strong frames. Sean Murphy was the victim of this brilliant 79 mph knuckle-curve.
Paul Blackburn’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ablefantasticflee
Things didn’t go young Paul Blackburn’s way today as the Red Sox expertly played small ball to take the game away from the A’s. However, Blackburn has showed solid flashes of brilliance this year and his curveball is a pitch to watch – this 80 mph effort completely fooling Jarren Duran.
Kyle Finnegan’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/nexttidyanteater
Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan went after Mike Moustakas with three straight heaters and the final one was a nasty two-seamer that blew past the Reds slugger and painted the corner of the strike zone at 97 mph.
Tyler Mahle’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/heftyappropriatealpinegoat
Fun story about this at bat – earlier in the count, Tyler Mahle threw a 96 mph fastball that went at least a foot over the home plate umpire’s head provoking a cold stare from Juan Soto. So, when this filthy 98 mph heater blew past Soto on the corner of the strike zone, Mahle was quick to dish out some verbals as Soto left the plate. This is the content we are here for.
Logan Webb’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/capitalactivegossamerwingedbutterfly
Death, taxes and Logan Webb changeups for the win. This absolute belter was an 88 mph ripper to dispose of Jon Berti.
Pablo López’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/concretethornyeagle
Oh, Pablo! Just when I wax lyrical about someone else’s amazing changeup, you go and remind me that you sir are the master of the craft. The placement, the movement, the velocity…all perfect. One of the greatest pitches in the game today, ladies and gentleman. Pablo López’s 88 mph changeup to strike out Mike Yastrzemski.
Zack Wheeler’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/euphoricdeafeninglabradorretriever
One of the most accomplished performances of the day with the ball was from Phillies veteran Zack Wheeler. After a week of strife in Philadelphia, Wheeler put in a dominant, professional showing to give his side the win against a dangerous Angels line up. This 95 mph sinker to Brandon Marsh was the second time Wheeler got Marsh to swing and miss with the pitch for a K.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)