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.
Alec Marsh’s Sweeper
Yes, the Royals feature a Cy Young-caliber Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and a much-improved Brady Singer, but don’t lose sight of Alec Marsh and his sweeper. Pitches like this will keep Marsh in view but starts like these will cause him to bleed into the background. The 26-year-old allowed five hits and five runs to the Twins and collected the loss.
Fernando Cruz’s Splitter
Fernando Cruz might need to register his splitter as a lethal weapon. Entering Monday, Cruz ranked second in K%, only trailing Mason Miller, and his splitter is why. Of Cruz’s 48 strikeouts this season, 42 come via the splitter. It is one of the most effective pitches in the game. Bar-none. So, what did Cruz do Monday afternoon? He just casually struck out five straight with his go-to pitch. Exhibit B against Nolan Arenado is the crème de la crème.
Nick Lodolo’s Curveball
Before Cruz could record the save, Nick Lodolo needed to deal. Lodolo’s stat line, one run, five hits allowed, and three strikeouts over five and one-third innings, doesn’t stand out. It’s an average performance, by all means. So, where was he dealing? His curveball. Lodolo goes for cross-body, outside-corner action to make Michael Siani slope like the Leaning Tower of Pisa here.
Justin Steele’s Fastball
There’s the Justin Steele we all know and love. After posting a 6.28 ERA in his last three starts, Steele thawed out and looked like his old self in Milwaukee. Steele allowed three hits across seven innings while striking out a season-high eight hitters. This fastball is perfection, catching the inside corner of the zone and freezing Jackson Chourio like a sculpture.
Chris Bassitt’s Sweeper
The Chicago White Sox played baseball today, which only means one thing — they’re on the wrong end of a nasty pitch. This time, Chris Bassitt victimized the South Side with a spinning sweeper that stays in the zone. Bassitt doesn’t just get the nod on this list for plowing through Chicago’s fodder-like offense. He gets it for befuddling Tommy Pham, perhaps the only cannon in their lineup.
Cole Irvin’s Curveball
Let’s head to Baltimore and check on Cole Irvin. While the veteran blasted through Boston’s and pitched five scoreless frames, the first out of the game was perhaps his finest — a curveball that hits its mark, spins like a top, and fools the red-hot Jarren Duran.
Joe Ryan’s Sweeper
Monday’s list wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from Joe Ryan. Of all 20 starters Monday, Ryan might’ve been the best on the bump. The right-hander cut through KC’s lineup, allowing just four hits and one run while striking out nine. While this monstrous 1-1 sweeper doesn’t count towards that total, it drifts like a Hellcat V8 and earns Ryan a place on this late.
Michael King’s Changeup
Even if Michael King is pitching against the Marlins, it’s hard to discount a changeup like this. Nick Gordon drops to a knee and still doesn’t even sniff it. Miami barely caught a whiff against King in his five innings pitched, swinging and missing 16 times, striking out seven times, and nabbing just three hits, one run, and a walk.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurtwasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram