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.
Shota Imanaga’s Sweeper
Known for his devastating split-finger fastball, Shota Imanaga relied more on his sweeper late in this game. He struck out two with the pitch, including Nolan Gorman in the top of the seventh inning, his final frame. This beautifully located 82 mph effort was n-a-s-t-y!
Keaton Winn’s Splitter
Keaton Winn bounced back from a rough start against the Rangers with a strong six innings that included six strikeouts, including this lovely 89 mph split-finger fastball to fell Luis Rengifo. An elite pitch.
Grayson Rodriguez’s Slider
The Orioles notched an important win over the Phillies thanks to a terrific outing from Grayson Rodriguez, who struck out Bryce Harper twice among his six Ks. The best of the bunch, however, was this ripping 88 mph hard slider to get Nick Castellanos.
DJ Herz’s Cutter
What a day for DJ Herz! The Nationals rookie fanned 13 in six shutout frames in which he allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter. A remarkable performance in just his third start in the Majors. This vicious 88mph cut-fastball with extra movement low and away was devastatingly nasty and his pitch of the day.
Jack Flaherty’s Four-Seam Fastball
Jack Flaherty’s excellent year continued as he enjoyed himself behind a 10-run lead after three innings. Flaherty recorded six strikeouts and the location of his fastball was on point. This 94 mph painted heater fooled Jeremy Peña.
Charlie Morton’s Curveball
Uncle Charlie Morton and his curveball. Nasty!
George Kirby’s Four-Seam Fastball
A textbook use of the high fastball in this outing from Mariners youngster George Kirby, who bullied the seasoned Rangers hitters with his location and velocity up high with the heater – this 97 mph beauty way too much for Nathaniel Lowe.
Seth Lugo’s Curveball
Royals veteran Seth Lugo is having a career renaissance for the ages as a starting pitcher. He took a hat-trick of Ks on Cavan Biggio today, his 80 mph perfectly-located curveball doing the majority of the damage. Lugo now has 10 wins on the season, nice!