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.
James McArthur’s Sinker
James McArthur picked up his second save in as many days against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. McArthur struck out two, both looking and froze Daniel Vogelbach on a ridiculous front-door sinker.
Jordan Montgomery’s Curveball
In the first game of the day, Jordan Montgomery put forth another strong effort for his new ball club. Unfortunately for him, Kyle Gibson and a trio of relievers stifled the Arizona offense and tagged Montgomery with the loss. Montgomery struck out four and buckled Lars Nootbaar on a big breaking ball.
Ryan Walker’s Slider
After Blake Snell’s placement on the IL this morning, the Giants opted for a bullpen game against the visiting New York Mets. Ryan Walker got the start and struck out a pair in his lone inning of work. He got the better of Starling Marte on a nasty slider.
Josh Fleming’s Changeup
Josh Fleming got his first start of the year in another bullpen game out in Pittsburgh. Fleming only had one K in his outing but made rookie Jackson Chourio look foolish on a changeup.
Jack Flaherty’s Slider
Winners of three straight, the Tigers sent Jack Flaherty to the hill looking to extend their small winning streak. The Rays would get the better of him to stave off the sweep, tagging Flaherty for four runs. He did strike out six, including Randy Arozarena on this sharp slider.
Jameson Taillon’s Curveball
Jameson Taillon took on the struggling Astros Wednesday, who entered as losers of three straight and sitting in last in the AL West. Taillon took advantage of the poor Houston offense and worked around seven hits to limit the ‘Stros to only two runs. Jose Altuve, one of the few bright spots in the Houston lineup, went fishing for this Taillon breaker in the third.
Derek Law’s Slider
Derek Law was one of the few Washington pitchers to escape the Dodgers lineup unscathed on Wednesday as LA exploded for eleven runs. Law struck out two of the four batters he faced including Shohei Ohtani on a great curveball. Ohtani still managed to have a strong game in his own right, doubling thrice.
Garrett Crochet’s Slider
Garrett Crochet has faded a bit after his strong start to the season, though he still manages to put up great strikeout numbers in every start. He surrendered five runs to the Twins on Wednesday while striking out six over his four innings. He tied up Kyle Farmer on a filthy slider here in the second.
Joe Boyle’s Sweeper
Joe Boyle struck out an impressive six hitters over three innings of work – including Giancarlo Stanton twice. Stanton’s second punchout came on a sweeper that continued to dive below the zone.
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire. Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@KUWasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram)