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.
Yennier Cano’s Changeup
Yes, the pitch is absolutely filthy, but I’m more impressed with Angel Martínez‘ ability to somehow keep his helmet on his head after helplessly flailing at this pitch. Seriously, I think if this were anyone else that helmet would already be in the dugout, but Martinez must have one h*ck of a head of hair under there to keep that thing attached to his head.
Blake Treinen’s Slider
All The Witch does is sling filthy sliders against helpless batters. Blake Treinen returned to his roots in Oakland, possibly for the last time, and he didn’t hold back. This slider to Zack Gelof is classic Witchcraft.
Robbie Ray’s Fastball
In his third start since returning from an extended absence, Robbie Ray struck out nine on the road in Cincinnati. This fastball catches Jonathan India totally off guard and makes him look silly in the process.
Spencer Arrighetti’s Curveball
Spencer Arrighetti struck out 12 Rays on Sunday. 12! Anytime you strikeout more batters than the number of letters in your last name you know you had yourself a good day, especially when your last name is Arrighetti. He’s really starting to come on for the Astros.
Zack Wheeler’s Splitter
It was a classic Zack Wheeler outing against a playoff contender in Seattle. Wheeler struck out nine over eight elite, shutout innings while further entrenching himself as the NL Cy Young favorite.
Edward Cabrera’s Fastball
Edward Cabrera has battled with command issues his entire career. However, when he’s able to find the zone and put things together, his electric stuff can stymie even the best of lineups. That is exactly what he did on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta. While he still didn’t display the pinpoint location you’d expect out of an ace like Jacob deGrom or Justin Verlander, Cabrera showed flashes of it at times, including this perfect fastball up and away to Matt Olson.
Matt Waldron’s Knuckleball
What’s it gonna do? Where’s it gonna go? Nobody knows! Matt Waldron’s knuckleball danced, dipped, and dove all afternoon long en route to seven strikeouts in a very good outing against the Rockies. He unfortunately came up one out short of a quality start, but beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to the ol’ knuckler.
Justin Martinez’s Splitter
Paul Skenes was the showcase everyone tuned in for, but he was mortal by his own standards. Instead of a Skenes pitch, here’s a filthy splitter from Justin Martinez that falls under the bat of Oneil Cruz.
Max Fried’s Slider
Today was not Max Fried’s day, as he was pulled early after allowing five earned runs in only three and a third innings. He flashed his usual brilliance a handful of times, however, including this nasty slider to breakout star Xavier Edwards. Fried will look to bounce back next time out.
Derek Law’s Slider
It feels like Derek Law has been around forever, and yet he’s still doing his thing in Washington. He’s quietly one of the nastiest pitchers on that staff, someone that nobody really talks about, especially in fantasy circles. Either way, this slider completely fools Brice Turang.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@KUWasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram