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.
Robert Suarez’s Fastball
I can’t think of a better way to start than a 100 mph fastball from Robert Suarez that ended last night’s Padres game. Suarez came in to close out the ninth and struck out two. I don’t think James Wood ever had a chance at this heater.
Paul Skenes‘ Fastball
Skenes had yet another dominant outing here, striking out eight Cardinals while allowing just four hits. His final strikeout of the day was this 100 mph heater to Paul Goldschmidt. Skenes now has at least eight strikeouts in eight of his last ten games.
Zack Wheeler’s Curveball
Wheeler had a stellar outing against the Twins here, recording seven punchouts over seven innings. It was the first time he didn’t allow a run since May 28th. This nasty curveball caught Willi Castro off balance.
Luis Gil’s Slider
Gil struggled for a stretch recently but has bounced back nicely over his last three games. Here he struck out six Mets during this Subway Series at Yankee Stadium, including this nasty slider to Francisco Lindor.
Logan Gilbert’s Slider
Gilbert tossed six innings while striking out eight and allowing one run to the Angels. He continues to be one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. This slider to Taylor Ward had some late-breaking movement on it, rendering it unhittable.
Ryan Helsley’s Changeup
Helsley came in to close the game after the Cardinals managed to squeak out a lead against Paul Skenes and the Pirates. The NL All-Star struck out the side in this one, including this punch out to Joshua Palacios on a breaking ball.
Jeff Hoffman’s Splitter
Hoffman’s splitter is something to behold. The change of direction on this pitch to Willi Castro is incredible to watch. Also, sorry to Castro for being the victim of two nasty pitches in this article.
Lance Lynn’s Fastball
Lynn was fired up after this rising fastball to end the fourth inning. The 37-year-old Lynn doesn’t have the velocity he once did, but this heater was impressive nonetheless.
Garrett Crochet’s Fastball
Crochet has one of the greatest deliveries in baseball. It is incredibly smooth. His 12.58 K/9 leads all of baseball and he racked up another seven punch outs here against the Rangers.
José Berríos‘ Changeup
Berrios only pitched four innings here but managed to strike out five Mariners. The Mariners whiff at the highest rate in the league though, so it shouldn’t have been too difficult. Either way, this changeup to Richie Palacios was his most impressive one of the night.