Every morning, we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the Second Quarter Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList, and we’ll GIF it up and give you a shoutout here in the article.
Charlie Morton’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ScrawnyLargeAmazonparrot
Morton keeps on chugging along. As long as he stays healthy, the Rays will employ him as one of their “actual starters,” such a prestigious position in St. Pete. When you can ring up Francisco Lindor on four pitches to start the game, you can feel real good about your stuff—Morton did today, striking out 10 over six innings (with only five guys allowed on base).
Anthony Swarzak’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/FelineNearAgouti
Ohh Anthony! Swarzak, the new addition to yet another maligned NL East bullpen, gets Kolten Wong to go fishing on this down and in slider. Atlanta went on to blow this game in the eighth—they really need an arm to step up and solidify the back end (looking at you, Luke Jackson).
Carlos Martinez’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/IdenticalWavyInchworm
Well, at least we know CarMart can still get his slider to do crazy things. Martinez, who has been through a gauntlet of injury, is working his way back from yet another IL stint. Although he gave up the lead in the seventh, he showcased some decent stuff. If he can harness some semblance of control, the Cards will have yet another weapon in the back end of the ‘pen.
Lou Trivino’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/GoodPlaintiveIndiancow
Speaking of weapons out of the bullpen, Lou Trivino has turned into one of the best relievers in baseball over the past season. NASTY curves like this and high 90s heat makes that possible. Also because he looks like an absolute bear out there. With Blake Treinen looking shakier than he ever has in the closer role (for the A’s), there is a possibility that we see Lou take his spot during the dog days.
Miguel Castro’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/BrownAthleticEel
Well well well. The Orioles got a win. The guy on your screen, Miguel Castro, could be a late-inning force for the next good Orioles team, but it’s more likely he gets traded for good pieces if he keeps throwing sinkers like this one.
Thanks as always to Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja on Twitter), and to Noah Avary (@TheRealestNoah on Twitter) for pointing out a few pitches.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the Second Quarter Contest.
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