Every morning we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious HD 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 First Half Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @ThePitcherList and we’ll GIF it up + give you a shoutout here in the article.
Chris Devenski’s Changeup – Devenski has been a revelation as a multi inning reliever with big strikeout stuff. His Changeup is the K maker as it looks like a Fastball out of he hand then has a huge drop before reaching the plate. This pitch to Gary Sanchez was part of a key hold last night against the Yankees.(Thanks to Redditor rices4212 for the tip!)
Jeff Hoffman’s Slider – Hoffman has always had the potential to break out with his top of the draft pedigree, but has battled injuries and inconsistencies along his minor league career. If he can pitch more like last night throughout the year he has a chance of meeting his potential. This Slider to Chris Taylor was his one K with a breaking ball.
Dallas Keuchel’s Slider – Keuchel has gotten back to his dominance of 2015 using his pinpoint command of his arsenal of darting and diving pitches. This Slider to Aaron Judge was the first out of an inning in which he got into trouble, but was able to strike out the side to limit any earned runs.
Brandon Kintzler’s Fastball – Kintzler has flown under the radar somewhat as a good closer option on a Twins team that is winning more games than many expected. He has a 4 pitch arsenal which is somewhat unusual for a closer, and uses command more than overpowering stuff. This front door Fastball to Leury Garcia was the start of a clutch 5 out save. (Thanks to Redditor Gallade3 for the tip!)
Zack Greinke’s Slider – Greinke seems to have overcome his April jitters with increased usage of his Slider in May. Last night’s 11 Ks were punctuated by this Slider to Francisco Cervelli which he has no chance of hitting.
Bronson Arroyo’s Fastball – Arroyo has bounced around so much in the majors I was surprised to see him back pitching for the Reds again. Arroyo was surprisingly effective last night against the Giants using command and movement, and maybe smoke and mirrors, to get the win. This 86 MPH Fastball right on the black to Ty Blach is how he makes a living now. (Thanks to @StevenMHarrell for the tip!)
GIF Of The Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Half Contest.
[polldaddy poll=9745718]
That Arroyo pitch is comical