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.
Justin Verlander’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/mixedsomberdassierat-baseball
Despite Justin Verlander punching out 15 batters over seven innings of work, his Houston Astros still fell 6-3 to the Brewers. The future Hall of Famer has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Astros in 2017, owning a 2.35 ERA and an 11.82 K/9, not to mention just 5.9 H/9. It’s been more of the same this season, with a 2.41 ERA and striking out 11.18 per 9.
Jordan Yamamoto’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/paltryrelievedalabamamapturtle-baseball
The Hawaiian right-hander has been rock solid in Double-A so far this season, but he really showed what he was capable of on Wednesday, jumping Triple-A completely and allowing just three hits over seven shutout innings. Assuming he stays up, his next start should be a rematch with the Cardinals, who will no doubt be motivated to avenge their ugly 9-0 loss.
Yonny Chirinos‘ Slider
https://gfycat.com/infantileamazingaustraliancattledog-baseball
No doubt eager to prove his solid 2018 rookie campaign was no fluke, Yonny Chirinos has posted an excellent sophomore effort, sporting a 2.88 ERA through 14 games in 2019, with an equally impressive .933 WHIP to match. The Rays have had an excellent season so far, and Chirinos has been a major reason for said success, with the Rays winning 10 of his 14 appearances.
Amir Garrett’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/fastoddiraniangroundjay-baseball
(Yes, I’m aware there’s a lot of sliders tonight. No, this isn’t the last one). Amir Garrett has quietly been incredible for the mediocre Cincinnati Reds, posting a 1.55 ERA, as well as 1.4 WAR despite pitching exclusively in relief. Garrett’s talent has been known for a while now, but we’re finally seeing him fulfill said potential in an extraordinary way.
Nick Anderson’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/flusteredscarcehammerheadshark-baseball
After four excellent seasons in the minor leagues (2.25 career ERA in the minors), Nick Anderson started the season with the big league club in 2019, and the results have been, alright. As strikeout artists go he’s been a veritable Caravaggio with a 15.6 K/9, though his 4.23 ERA leaves something to be desired. Luckily, the Marlins aren’t exactly playing for much these days, so as long as Anderson isn’t awful, he should continue to get opportunities to improve as a pitcher at the big league level.
Zach Eflin’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/detailednecessarydassie-philadelphia-phillies-baseball
Yep, back to sliders. Zach Eflin has been nothing short of outstanding for the Phillies this year, with Wednesday’s tough-luck loss against a possessed Merrill Kelly leaving him with an excellent 2.81 ERA and 66:19 K/BB ratio. It’s certainly taken him awhile, but Eflin is finally starting to blossom as a major league pitcher this season, and it’s exciting to watch.
Chaz Roe’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/plasticgroundedamericancrocodile-baseball
Is it really a nasty pitch roundup if there isn’t a ridiculous offering from a Rays reliever? Chaz Roe’s absurdly mobile slider to punch out Khris Davis was immediately gawked at all over baseball Twitter Wednesday night, and for good reason. While he may have gone on to allow two earned runs after this strikeout, that’s easily ignored when a player gives us one of the nastiest offerings of the entire year, let alone the night.
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.
[polldaddy poll=10341925]
I have a strong feeling we’ll be seeing that slider at the end of the year (and in his repertoire GIFs next year :p)