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!
Kyle Hendricks‘ Changeup
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Yes, we have been here before and we will be here again. Chicago Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks is in stellar form. After notching a complete game on Opening Day, the veteran once again put on a masterclass of offspeed pitching. Here is his devastating 79 mph changeup, accounting for Indians young gun Bradley Zimmer.
Alex Colome’s Cutter
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Chicago White Sox closer Alex Colome does not get enough love. The White Sox are 67-1 entering the 9th inning with a lead since he arrived in a trade from the Seattle Mariners. He grabbed his 5th save of the season today in the White Sox’s 8-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. It was “cutter city” in the final inning, here is the best of them – an 89 mph ripper to Niko Goodrum.
James Karinchak’s Curveball
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Cleveland Indians rookie James Karinchak is the Rafael Nadal of baseball – he has numerous pre-pitch rituals and I get twitchy just watching him. One thing is for sure, his stuff is dynamite. Ian Happ can only buckle and sigh at this beautiful 83 mph curveball that settles nicely on the inside corner.
Brusdar Graterol’s Two-Seam Fastball
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Whatever came up in the medical report that made Boston balk at taking this guy is now firmly in the rearview mirror. And, Boston fans will be grimacing at missing out on this spicy heater. Facing Manny Machado in a high leverage situation with one man on and two outs ahead 2-0 in the 8th inning, Brusdar Graterol unleashes this wicked 100 mph fastball that nicks the inside of the zone. Wowsers!
Zach Davies‘ Changeup
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It is looking like the San Diego Padres have themselves a steal in Zach Davies. Acquired in the trade with the Brewers that sent Luis Urias and Eric Lauer to Milwaukee (Padres also nabbed Trent Grisham, who is on fire early on this year), Davies has firmly established himself as a solid mid-rotation. His deceiving 79 mph changeup with nice movement does enough to make Mookie Betts look a little silly here.
Zack Greinke’s Sinker
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I marveled last week at the antics of our only favorite Astro, Zack Greinke. The wily veteran was at it again last night tormenting the Giants hitters including Brandon Belt, who went down swinging at this disappearing 87 mph sinker that the replay camera couldn’t even keep in the shot.
Anthony Senzatela’s Slider
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One of the more unheralded starters around, Anthony Senzatela had no luck at getting strikeouts with his slider last year, worrying as it is his main secondary pitch. Things have started off well for the Venezuelan this year, however, with a 3-0 start and this sinking 89 mph slider has served him well. The hapless Eduardo Escobar, the victim. Hat tip to PL+ member pj20 for the spot!
Chris Bassitt’s Sinker
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Speaking of unheralded starters – Chris Bassitt has been a diamond in the rough for the Oakland Athletics these past few seasons. Coming off a breakout 10-5 season last time around, Bassitt relies heavily on movement. Here he is freezing David Fletcher with a perfect 93 mph sinker.
Liam Hendrick’s Curveball
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Doubling up on A’s pitching today with Australian closer, Liam Hendriks and this lovely dipping 84 mph breaking ball that completely fools the great Albert Pujols.
Zach Eflin’s Two-Seam Fastball
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Philadelphia Phillies starter Zach Eflin, sporting an elite mustache, was clearly pumped after his elite 94 mph two-seam fastball snuck into the inside of the strike zone thanks to some gorgeous late movement, freezing Chance Cisco dead. A nasty pitch, indeed.
Jordan Yamamoto’s Curveball
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The exciting young Marlins prospect Jordan Yamamoto surprised everyone last season with quite the introduction to Major League Baseball – winning his first 3 starts, allowing only 2 runs on 7 hits with 19 strikeouts. He tailed off somewhat in the second half of the year but showed enough for the pitching world to keep a close eye on him. A wicked 74 mph breaking ball from heaven disposes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. here.
Kenta Maeda’s Slider
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Let’s finish off with a bit of magic from Kenta Maeda. Now in Minnesota with the Twins, the former Dodger was in the groove last night as shown by this sumptuous 81 mph slow-slider to fell Ben Gamel.
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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