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!
Yu Darvish‘ Two-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/downrightwellwornchameleon
Yu Darvish had himself a night on Thursday, striking out eleven while only giving up one hit (a home run) to Justin Smoak in the seventh inning. This filthy 0-1 two-seamer to Smoak back in the fourth inning was inexplicably called a ball despite painting the corner up and in. Darvish had all of his stuff working on Thursday, winning the game against Milwaukee but more importantly claiming the GIF Sandwich.
Jalen Beeks‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/windyelaboratelamb
I’m willing to bet the Red Sox wish they hadn’t traded Jalen Beeks to Tampa Bay in 2018, because he’s developed into yet another solid weapon out of their bullpen. Our own Shelly Verougstraete recently put out a fantastic Going Deep piece on Beeks and it’s definitely worth a read. Beeks has made changes to his delivery that have helped him increase the spin on his pitches, and this nasty changeup is now one of his best weapons.
Josh Osich’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/ellipticaldearestfulmar
On the other side of this brutal 17-8 blowout in Boston, Josh Osich pitched two innings of mop-up work and didn’t allow a run. This cutter to Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, while not blazing fast like other cutters that usually make this list, was perfectly located and had some nice drop and break to go along with it. Osich has been a serviceable arm for the Red Sox this season and hopefully, he can continue the success as the season progresses.
Brad Brach’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/nextmammothkagu
There’s a lot going on in this GIF. First, Brad Brach looks like he’s going to fall off the pitcher’s mound as he follows through on the pitch. Then there’s the pitch itself, which drops out of the clouds and into the dirt while also moving from the middle of the plate to the inside corner. Carter Kieboom immediately regretted his decision to swing at this pitch but by the time he realized what was coming there was no turning back.
Anthony DeSclafani’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/minorlinedazurevase
Tony Disco did not have his best stuff on Thursday, getting shelled to the tune of nine earned runs in only two innings of work. A leadoff home run to Adam Frazier was a sign of things to come, but this nasty slider a couple of batters later had Josh Bell all tangled up. Bell would get the last laugh, however, as he drove in two runs to fully put the game out of reach in his next at-bat an inning later. It was a tough day for Anthony DeSclafani, hopefully he can bounce back next time out.
Corbin Burnes‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/distantviciousbasenji
Corbin Burnes didn’t pitch as well as he did last time out, but this changeup still generated a loud whiff out of opposing catcher Victor Caratini anyway. Yu Darvish was the story of the night in Chicago but it’s always a good time seeing Burnes take the mound. The stuff is clearly there, but if he could just improve his command he would arguably be their best pitcher not named Hader.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner may be featured in our Nastiest Pitches tournament midway through the season.
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