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.
Mason Miller’s Four-Seam Fastball
Oh, Mason Miller! How we have missed you! The A’s closer took care of the Blue Jays in the ninth inning despite allowing a baserunner. Miller struck out three including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in a big spot. With one out and one on in a one-run game, Miller blew Vladdy away with this sensational 103 mph heater that came from outside and nestled just inside the strike zone. It doesn’t get nastier than this.
Gerrit Cole’s Knuckle-Curveball
Gerrit Cole was excellent through 5.2 frames, striking out 10 before exiting with one out in the sixth. Unfortunately for Cole, Luke Weaver unraveled by giving up three straight hits, a walk, and a homer to Corey Seager. Cole was at his imperious best.
Spencer Arrighetti’s Sweeper
13 strikeouts for Spencer Arrighetti, who has endured a rollercoaster rookie season but is definitely heading in the right direction for the Astros. Encouragingly, Arrighetti saw a strikeout on each of five different pitches. This 81 mph sweeper to make Ceddanne Rafaela look a little silly was the highlight of the bunch for me.
Logan Gilbert’s Splitter
Oh, wow! Logan Gilbert with a phenomenal split-fastball to strike out the dangerous Pete Alonso. A big-time pitch at a huge moment in this game.
Devin Williams‘ Changeup
First save of the season for returning Brewers closer Devin Williams, who struck out the side with aplomb to earn it the right way. This devastating 85 mph changeup was painted on the outside corner of Tyler Stephenson’s strike zone! Filthy good.
Corbin Burnes‘ Slider
One of the best to ever do it, Corbin Burnes showed us what an elite slider looked like thanks to this 88 mph hard slider to strike out Jonny DeLuca and end the third inning. Just hang it in the Louvre!
Logan Webb’s Changeup
A masterful outing from Logan Webb as he struck out eight to earn his 10th win of the 2024 season. Webb mixed in his sweeper and changeup to perfection, with this ridiculous 86 mph change with extra movement away from Akil Baddoo enough to bamboozle him.
Osvaldo Bido’s Slider
A really nice outing from A’s youngster Osvaldo Bido, who they are quietly excited about as a long-term pitching prospect. Bido allowed just two hits across five stellar frames. He struck out five including this lovely 86 mph slider that breaks beautifully sweet and low to fell Joey Loperfido.
Matt Waldron’s Sinker
Another beautiful pitch from Matt Waldron with elite movement. It’s not the knuckleball this time but a vicious 91 mph two-seamer that drifts out of the zone before nipping back in at the last minute to strike out Jonah Bride. N-a-s-t-y!
Carlos Rodón’s Four-Seam Fastball
A huge pitch here from Carlos Rodón after walking Marcus Semien and Corey Seager on full counts with two outs in the third inning. Rodon bounced back with the 99 mph painted heater on the outside corner to stun Wyatt Langford. Rodon struck out six in an 8-0 Yankees romp!