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 Splitter
The Japanese sensation in Chicago spun a gem on Saturday against the Pirates with seven shutout innings. Imanaga’s signature split-finger fastball was on song as he struck out seven including the baffled rookie Alika Williams, who had no chance with this beautifully placed 82 mph splitter.
Luis Gil’s Changeup
A career-high 14 strikeouts for Yankees young gun Luis Gil including this soul-taking 94 mph changeup with ridiciulous movement inside to strike out veteran Tommy Pham. This was Gil’s fifth strikeout in a row as he locked in through the middle innings after a shaky start. Wow!
Kevin Gausman’s Sinker
It’s usually a Splitterfest on Nastiest Pitches with Kevin Gausman but this painted two-seam fastball to get himself out of a jam in the sixth inning was a big-time pitch at the perfect time – 95 mph paint to induce the strikeout of the dangerous Isaac Paredes.
Luis Severino’s Sweeper
Former Yankee Luis Severino is enjoying life as a Met and another solid outing with three strikeouts featured this phenomenal 86 mph sweeper to strikeout Jesus Sanchez.
Zach Elfin’s Curveball
Just watch the bottom drop out of the 12-6 curve from Zach Eflin as he strikes out veteran Kevin Kiermaier. This kind of pitch is what defines nasty. Bravo sir!
Andrés Muñoz’s Slider
After Cedric Mullins just stayed alive clipping a 100 mph heater foul, Andrés Muñoz bamboozled him with this perfectly located 88 mph slider for the strikeout. Elite closer material.
Zac Gallen’s Knuckle-Curveball
A masterful performance from Zac Gallen, who struck out 10 with seven coming the way of his mesmerizing knuckle curveball. Spencer Torkelson was the victim twice, and the second time was an 80 mph textbook pitch. Naaaaasty stuff!
Walker Buehler’s Curveball
The king is back in Los Angeles with Dodgers ace Walker Buehler looking like his pre-injury self with seven strikeouts in six shutout innings. It was an encouraging outing from Buehler, and this 78 mph curve to strike out Elly De La Cruz was his pitch of the day.
Jack Flaherty’s Slider
Across the way from Zac Gallen was Jack Flaherty, and the two of them traded more than elite stuff as some roughing of the mound brought tasty words from both dugouts. Still, Flaherty was brilliant with nine punchouts including this lovely 86 mph slider to dispose of Ketel Marte.