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!
Chris Bassitt’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/eagercarefulduckbillcat
As an Oakland A’s fan, I really miss watching Chris Bassitt’s domination in the green and white. The Athletics’ loss is the Mets’ gain, and Bassitt was terrific once again yesterday. This fantastic 94 mph two-seam fastball starting outside before jelly-legging Nolan Arenado is as good as they come.
Yu Darvish’s Knuckle-Curveball
https://gfycat.com/wealthynegativebackswimmer
The high-flying Padres took on the Phillies in what turned out to be the pitching duel of the day between Kyle Gibson and Yu Darvish. Darvish was at his devilish best, this sumptuous x mph knuckle-curve fooling infielder Johan Camargo.
Cal Quantrill’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/enchantingunpleasantbighorn
Cal Quantrill has been excellent for the Cleveland Guardians so far this season and today he consistently put himself ahead in the count and followed up with aggressive pitches. This ripping 84 mph changeup was way too good for Tommy Pham.
Tyler Mahle’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/unfortunateinconsequentialarrowana
Tyler Mahle recorded his 13th straight out thanks to this beautiful 83 mph hard slider to make Austin Hedges look a bit silly with the bat. Something to cheer about Reds fans!
Joey Krehbiel’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/shadowyweakcapybara
Baltimore Orioles reliever Joey Krehbiel is a lot of fun to watch on the mound – he certainly got the Yankees all hot and bothered as Anthony Rizzo was ejected after this at-bat, which ended with this vicious 88 mph cutter inside. Nice!
Jorge López’s Knuckle-Curveball
https://gfycat.com/zealousdelightfulindianringneckparakeet
After Krehbiel got into a little trouble with the final out in the eighth inning, the Orioles rolled in closer Jorge López, who produced a beauty to fell Aaron Hicks – a textbook 84 mph knuckle-curve.
Edwin Díaz’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/damagedgrizzledguineapig
Well, you know you are always going to get fireworks with Edwin Díaz! The Mets closer has generally been sensational this year, but he was erratic and unpredictable in this outing. Still, I couldn’t resist this 101 mph heater that just kissed the top corner of Tommy Edman’s strike zone for the K! Wowsers!
Framber Valdez’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/narrowshockedliger
Death, taxes, and Framber Valdez curveballs! The Houston lefty was on song against the Rangers as he dominated through seven strong innings, registering seven strikeouts and allowing just one run. This slow 80 mph curve had Eli White bamboozled.
Marcus Stroman’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/whimsicalgreengrub
Marcus Stroman had a strong outing against the Diamondbacks but received little run support and slumped to his fourth loss of the season. Stroman registered six Ks and five of those were thanks to his elite slider. This 86 mph disappearing slider accounted for Christian Walker.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)