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!
Trevor Bauer’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/failingclosedchinchilla
The t-shirt Trevor Bauer wore post-game will likely grab the headlines but don’t let that overshadow what was a phenomenal outing from the enigmatic Dodgers starter. His entire arsenal was on show and in fine form. Check out the movement on this vicious 95 mph heater to Isan Díaz.
Jordan Holloway’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/grippingbelatedibizanhound
Young Marlins hurler Jordan Holloway was making his first Major League start against the Dodgers and had some nice moments – none better than this beautiful overhead 12-6 knuckle curveball to strike out the dangerous Max Muncy.
Justus Sheffield’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/misguideddependentafricanjacana
It has been a season of blowing hot and cold from Mariners starter Justus Sheffield but today was a good day as he picked up his third win of the season against Cleveland. This delicious 83 mph slider made quick work of outfielder Jordan Luplow.
Alex Young’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/scentedfemaleblackbird
Is there any greater joy for a reliever than coming in with the bases loaded and grabbing the one out you need to get your side out of a jam? That’s exactly what Alex Young did on just three pitches yesterday. The last pitch was this ripping 86 mph cutter to punch out nemesis Kyle Schwarber, who hit a home run against Young last month in a walk-off win. We love a bit of nasty revenge from unheralded relievers.
Lucas Sims‘ Slider
https://gfycat.com/palatableconcernedangelwingmussel
Game on the line, 5 men in the infield, a runner on third, and only one out. Lucas Sims pitched a beauty with this 83 mph slider to strike out Dom Nunez. Sims went on to pick up the win in an impressive outing in extras for the Reds, whose late-innings struggles have been well documented so far this season.
Aaron Nola’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/descriptivefixedamurminnow
Poor Aaron Nola received zero run support from his teammates despite an impressive outing against the Blue Jays in which he struck out 8. His first K was thanks to the changeup and so was his last – this perfect 85 mph disappearing changeup completely fooled Bo Bichette.
Tyler Chatwood’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/boilingdownrightisopod
Deception is the poetry of pitching and there was no better example yesterday than Tyler Chatwood’s setup of Andrew Knapp for the strikeout. Chatwood threw three sinkers on the outside of the plate and mixed in a couple of curveballs to keep Knapp guessing. Chatwood jelly-legged Knapp for the K with this phenomenal 95 mph sinker to the inside of the plate. Nasty!
Ian Anderson’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/acclaimedglossyaustraliancattledog
Another masterful showing from Braves starter Ian Anderson in the “Battle of the Andersons” gave him the win over the Brewers’ Brett Anderson. The changeup is Anderson’s swing-and-miss pitch and this 87 mph change had veteran Jackie Bradley Jr. swinging at thin air.
Mike Minor’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/warmheartedembellishedkookaburra
The wily veteran has been underwhelming amongst a room of young arms in Kansas City, however, there is plenty the youngsters will learn from this trademark Mike Minor 81 mph disappearing knuckle-curveball. Billy Hamilton the fallen hitter, here.
Shane McClanahan’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/scalyqueasygrasshopper
Really enjoying the outings from Tampa Bay Rays‘ young-gun Shane McClanahan, mainly because I get to see 92 mph sliders like this one to strike out elite hitters such as Francisco Lindor. I will also add my interest is also due to many, many dynasty baseball shares in McClanahan! Oh baby, is this something special.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)