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.
Corbin Burnes‘ Cutter
Orioles ace Corbin Burnes serving up this n-a-s-t-y 93 mph cut-fastball with extra movement to the first hitter he faced in Parker Meadows was, to put it plainly, criminally unfair. We love it!
Michael Wacha’s Changeup
A thoroughly professional outing from veteran Michael Wacha, who struck out eight on his way to an impressive 13th win of the season. This beautifully crafted 78 mph changeup to fell rookie Billy Cook was a delight.
José Berríos‘ Slurve
Another start, another masterpiece in pitching from veteran José Berríos as the Blue Jays marched past the Cardinals 7-2, with Berrios picking up his 16th win of the campaign. He set the tone early with this vicious 83 mph slurve to get Masyn Winn.
Joey Cantillo’s Slider
Young Joey Cantillo shows us what the textbook slider from a lefty to a lefty should look like for the strikeout.
Chris Sale’s Four-Seam Fastball
Up against the recording-breaking/chasing Shohei Ohtani in a big spot in the third inning, Atlanta veteran Chris Sale dials up an angry heater that paints the bottom of the strike zone. Elite stuff!
Joe Musgrove’s Sweeper
Baseball is a better place with Joe Musgrove healthy and hurling innings filled with pure class. Musgrove allowed just three hits in six stellar innings in which he struck out eight. His sweeper was humming, and this 84 mph effort to dispose of Jerar Encarnación was poetry in motion
Justin Verlander’s Curveball
Oh, I wondered if I would ever be able to include the legendary Justin Verlander’s curveball in one of these articles ever again. Thankfully, I can because this 78 mph 12-6 drop from heaven to punch out Niko Kavadas was a ripper.
Nick Martinez’s Sinker
A lovely outing from Nick Martinez, who records his ninth win of 2024. He mixed his cutter and changeup in with his two-seamer, the latter responsible for this elite movement inside to fell Jose Miranda. Nice!