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.
Michael Lorenzen’s Changeup
The Rangers dropped this key game against the Orioles after Michael Lorenzen ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth inning. Prior to that, however, Lorenzen offered up one of the best changeups you’ll see today – 86 mph with extra movement and perfect location to Colton Cowser.
Zac Gallen’s Changeup
Lorenzen’s changeup might be the best you see today, that is unless you tune into Zac Gallen’s shutout start against the A’s. Gallen struck out seven and blanked the Oakland lineup in a solid showing. This vicious 87 mph changeup to strike out Zack Gelof was a beauty!
Paul Skenes‘ Four-Seam Fastball
One of three strikeout pitches to Matt Olson, young Paul Skenes was every bit up to the task against Max Fried as the two aces put on a show in this contest. Skenes struck out nine in total and this early 99 mph heater rising up and out of the zone was way too good for one of the league’s best power bats.
Max Fried’s Four-Seam Fastball
Max Fried was equally as sublime as Skenes despite only notching four strikeouts across six innings of one-run baseball. Fried mixed up his arsenal beautifully and this 1-2-3 pitch strikeout of Andrew McCutchen was the lefty at his very best. An element of cut on this 94 mph effort to punch the veteran out.
Pablo López’s Sweeper
A dominant display from Twins ace Pablo López on the road against the Mariners giving up just one run on four hits with nine strikeouts. He set the tone early with this lovely 87 mph sweeper to fell the in-form Cal Raleigh.
Bryce Miller’s Splitter
By no means did Bryce Miller deserve to take the loss in this game. The Mariners young gun was every bit as good as Lopez and his split-finger fastball is one of the most electric pitches in baseball. He threw three straight to Willi Castro and each one was nasty!
Aaron Nola’s Knuckle-Curveball
We couldn’t let yesterday’s baseball slip by without a signature Aaron Nola knuckle-curve for a strikeout. This ripping 78 mph effort made Nick Gordon look a little silly and was one of nine total Ks for the Phillies stalwart.
Chris Bassitt’s Sinker
A day to celebrate the veterans today and Chris Bassitt rolled it back to the tune of eight Ks through six phenomenal innings against the Yankees. Bassitt unleashed this perfect 93 mph two-seamer when he needed it the most as he found himself in a spot of trouble in the first inning. He had been hit by a 100 mph come-backer from Aaron Judge before gutting it out and continuing. What a response, this pitch is perfectly located!