This one hits a bit differently! Fans of our previously daily nastiest pitches articles will be familiar with the content in this new weekly article that covers all the need-to-know highlights of baseball from the past week in GIF form. From cool moments, the nastiest pitches, and the moments you’d want to forget, our GIFs of the week are sure to entertain.
Defensive Wizardry
Debuting with a Great Catch
Cubs’ top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong was called up to the big club this week and made his first start on Tuesday in Colorado. The 80-grade fielder did not take long to show off his defensive prowess, taking extra bases away from Nolan Jones.
Trea Turner Takes a Hit Away
Ever since the infamous standing ovation in Philadelphia, Trea Turner has been on fire at the plate. But he showed Wednesday that he can still flash the glove as well. The veteran shortstop stole a base hit from Sean Murphy with a sliding stop up the middle and threw out the Atlanta catcher with a smooth transition and throw.
Nastiest Pitches
Michael Wacha’s Changeup
It was a tough outing for Michael Wacha on Tuesday as the righty allowed seven runs over only four innings in an eventual 11-2 loss to their division rivals. He ended the night with three strikeouts and put away David Peralta on a great change.
Edward Cabrera’s Changeup
Edward Cabrera has had two solid, albeit short, outings since his recall from the minors. Working as a bulk reliever, Cabrera has stuck out 13 in his eight and two-thirds September innings, although has also allowed eight walks. He struck out five on Tuesday and got Brice Turang on a great change out of the zone.
Devin Williams‘ Changeup
Sticking with the changeup theme, we’ll feature our third in a row, and highlight one of the best in baseball from Devin Williams. Williams finished off the ninth inning of the Brewers’ no-hit bid, though their own offense would have its difficulties and the Yankees would break up the no-hitter in the 11th. Williams stuck out two in his appearance and got the whiff from Jake Bauers on his patented change.
Tyler Glasnow’s Curveball
Rays’ starter Tyler Glasnow didn’t have his best start on Monday, allowing four earned over six innings, but still managed to record the win thanks to a strong showing by the Tampa offense. Glasnow struck out eight and put away Alex Kirilloff here on his great curveball.
Mason Miller’s Slider
After missing four months due to injury, Mason Miller has been dominant in his pair of September outings. He worked as the opener on Monday with two scoreless innings and three punchouts. Two came on his triple-digit heater, and he got José Abreu here on a great slider.
Top Long Balls
Randy Arozarena’s Clutch Long Ball
It’s been a slow second half for Randy Arozarena, but the Rays’ left fielder came up clutch on Wednesday afternoon, launching a 448-foot home run to break a ninth-inning tie and carry the Rays to a series victory in Minneapolis. Wednesday’s win marked the fifth win in six contests for Tampa Bay as they continue to pad their lead in the Wild Card race.
Number One for Rafaela
Boston’s number three overall prospect, Ceddanne Rafaela was called up at the end of August and has made an immediate impact, picking up hits in nine of his first 13 games. Tuesday marked the first career homer for the youngster from Curacao as he impressively got around on a 94 mph fastball off the plate and launched it off the light pole on top of the Green Monster.
Oh, No!
d’Arnaud’s Strong Attempt
Almost had it…
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@KUWasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram)