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.
Chris Sale’s Slider
After a few injury-riddled years in Boston, Chris Sale has made his way to Atlanta and looks like the ace of old. Sale struck out another nine on Wednesday in an easy victory over the visiting Giants.
Zack Wheeler’s Sinker
It was just another day at the office for Zack Wheeler as the Phillies’ ace picked up another seven strikeouts over six innings of two-run ball. Wheeler made Nico Hoerner look foolish here on a filthy sinker that ran way in on the Cubs’ second baseman.
Brayan Bello’s Changeup
Coming off a disastrous seven-run performance, Brayan Bello bounced back for the Red Sox allowing just one run in a season-high six and two-thirds innings. Bello struck out seven and displayed a great change to Xavier Edwards here in the fourth.
Michael Wacha’s Changeup
Michael Wacha has quietly put together a very solid season for the much-improved Royals and picked up his fifth win of the season Wednesday vs Tampa Bay. Wacha struck out eight, and his first of the night may have been his best.
Ronel Blanco’s Changeup
Ronel Blanco has had an eventful 2024 which has included both a no-hitter as well as a “sticky stuff” ban. He has been solid throughout and that did not change on Wednesday in Toronto. He started off his night freezing Daulton Varsho on a great front-door change that ran back over the plate.
David Festa’s Slider
Twins’ rookie David Festa had a rough debut outing last week, and his follow-up on Wednesday did not fare any better. Festa was tagged for seven runs including a grand slam by Carson Kelly. Festa would get some revenge on Kelly in his next at-bat thanks to this nice slider.
Clay Holmes‘ Sweeper
After a dominant start to the season, June proved to be a tough month for Yankees’ closer Clay Holmes. While it wasn’t a save opportunity, Holmes’ first appearance of July looked to be a step in the right direction as the righty struck out the side and dropped this nice sweeper to Noelvi Marte.
Aroldis Chapman’s Sinker
Despite reaching his late 30s, Aroldis Chapman can still dial it up when he needs to as he proved here on a 103 mph sinker to Brendan Donovan.
Huascar Brazoban’s Sinker
Huascar Brazoban tossed three shutout innings of relief for the Marlins on Wednesday after a quick exit from starter Trevor Rogers. Brazoban totaled three punchouts in the appearance and got Jarren Duran to chase a nasty sinker out of the zone.
Sean Hjelle’s Knuckle-Curve
Giants’ reliever Sean Hjelle struck out four in his two innings of work in Atlanta on Wednesday evening. His first victim of the evening was Ozzie Albies who chased a great knuckle-curve that dove out of the zone.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire. Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@KUWasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram)