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.
Gio Gonzalez’s Curveball – Gonzalez had a down year in 2016 as his HR rate creeped up closer to 1, but overall he’s a consistent starter as long as he keeps his walks down. Gonzalez uses his Curveball here to strikeout Stephen “I like biscotti” Piscotty.
Cole Hamels‘ Changeup – When Hamels is 60 years old and retired I think he’ll still be able to throw that Changeup and get swings and misses in his local bear league. With this change piece Hamels gets Danny Espinosa to swing way over the dropping cliff.
Matt Harvey’s Fastball – Harvey had somewhat diminished velocity in Spring Training and many worried that his shoulder surgery in 2016 sapped some of his force. Harvey proves he’s still got the velocity with this front door Fastball to K Odubel Herrera to end the first inning. (Thanks to Redditor greybro for the tip!)
J.A. Happ’s Changeup – Happ is a veteran pitcher who is starting to show the necessary assortment of pitches to be a middle of the rotation starter. His Changeup is still his best offering and it gets Orlando Arcia flailing here falling off the outside corner. (Thanks to @1LoganAdams1 for the tip!)
Adam Ottavino’s Slider – Ottavino uses a funny looking closed delivery, but as they say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Ottavino struck out the side last night, and the sandwich K was this sick Slider to get Monday’s cycle hitter, Wil Myers.
Hunter Strickland’s Curveball – Strickland is a good option in holds fantasy leagues with his big stuff and proven track record in the volatile reliever world. This pitch misses the spot a bit, but anytime you can get Paul Goldschmidt to flinch even a little you’ve done something right. (Thanks to @brorzor for the tip!)
Antonio Senzatela’s Fastball – Senzatela is quickly putting himself on the watch list for many fantasy owners with two good starts to start the year. Senzatela throws hard and if he keeps locating like he does with this pitch to Travis Jankowski he’ll be a fantasy option in more than deep leagues.
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.
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No runaway today but that Senzatela fastball was money