Every morning, the We Love Baseball crew reviews the Nastiest Pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. We want to bring you the highest caliber of nastiness possible, so if you see a nasty pitch, please tell us about it. You can tweet @PitcherList to let us know and we’ll give you a shout-out here in the article if your tip makes the cut.
As a bonus for PL+ members, let us know about a pitch on the PL+ Discord in the Nasty Pitches Channel, and if your suggestion is included the next day, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a free T-shirt!
Craig Kimbrel’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/unconsciousplasticchimneyswift
Craig Kimbrel was the last link in the chain of Cubs’ pitchers that successfully completed a no-hitter yesterday. Kimbrel struck out the side using his nasty breaking ball.
Matt Wisler’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/silkygentlebumblebee
The Rays bullpen, really organization, has a seemingly neverending supply of relievers who throw hard with an effective breaking ball. Matt Wisler is another example and his slider can make hitters like Marwin González miss.
Travis Lakins Sr.’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/scalygrotesqueconure
Travis Lakins Sr. was a bright spot for the Orioles last night in another lopsided loss. Lakins Sr. allowed one hit over four innings and showed off a curveball effective and late downward movement.
Tony Santillan’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/snarlingnarrowaphid
The horrendous camera angle in Cincinnatti doesn’t give a great view of the lateral movement on this slider from Tony Santillan, but the slow-motion cut illuminates the beauty of the pitch.
Nick Pivetta’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/delayedartisticharlequinbug
Nick Pivetta allowed no hits through close to seven innings but had reached a hundred pitches and got pulled from the game. That’s modern baseball. Pivetta showed his high ceiling spotting pitches like this one to Randy Arozarena.
Walker Buehler’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/farflungimpartialgelada
Walker Buehler has had trouble getting strikeouts this season so last night’s five Ks in six innings was a step in the right direction. Buehler mixed in changeups and curveballs, but his most effective secondary pitch was his slider.
Tejay Antone’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/complexembellishedalligator
Tejay Antone stayed in his relief ace role with Brad Brach getting the save. Antone ran into some trouble but still showed off his stupendous stuff, particularly his high-depth curveball.
José Berríos‘ Curveball
https://gfycat.com/wideeyedreadyhamster
José Berríos is would be the prize of the trade deadline market if the Twins cut their losses this season and look to the future. Berrîos had a great start last night primarily using his fastball, but the first batter of the game was finished with a nasty breaking ball.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)