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 First 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.
Max Fried’s Curveball
The young Braves prospect certainly showed off his huge upside on Friday, striking out 8 over 5 1/3 innings of work. Among his victims was Nolan Arenado, succumbing to the most Blake Snell-esque curveball we’ve seen since the last time Snell pitched. Expect to see Fried featured here plenty this season, assuming he gets the necessary time in Atlanta’s rotation.
Max Scherzer’s Slider
There are not many seasoned MLB vets who could have put bat to ball on this filthy offering, so Fernando Tatis Jr. more than gets a pass for this whiff. Even on a night where Max Scherzer joined the 25oo K club, this pitch stands out.
Collin McHugh’s Slider
Sorry Jake Bauers; no matter how gorgeous this slider was, Collin McHugh is taken. Get up off your knee, man.
Adam Ottavino’s Slider
It’s convenient that Adam Ottavino wears the number zero because that’s about the odds Buster Posey had of touching this pitch. An 82 mile per hour jewel with movement rivaling Meta Knight in Brawl.
Aroldis Chapman’s Slider
Colour me surprised to see Aroldis Chapman making this list without his legendary blazing fastball. Having to, as a hitter, adjust to looking for 100+ heaters and an 87 MPH slider is a difficult, difficult task, and a big reason Chapman has had as impressive of a career as he’s had.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Quarter Contest.
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(Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire)