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!
Max Fried’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/hatefulhalfbandicoot
The battle between two of the best pitchers in the game was earmarked for the day prior, with Shane Bieber squaring off against Gerrit Cole. In truth, the real battle was today between Trevor Bauer and Max Fried. Both pitchers put on a masterclass, each going seven innings and sharing 17 strikeouts. Fried takes the crown for the nastiest pitch of the day, however with this 72 mph curveball that embarrassed Aristides Aquino.
Trevor Bauer’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/marvelousplasticgoldeneye
Trevor Bauer tallied 12 strikeouts in a vintage performance that was every bit as fantastic as Fried — I loved this 81 mph slider to punch out Adam Duvall in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Nate Pearson’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/DearestTeemingAgama
Young Nate Pearson has flashed his brilliance this season. The Blue Jays were dumped out of the playoffs today but at least we have his slider to dream about for next season — this 85 mph ripper completely fooled Willy Adames today.
Kyle Hendricks‘ Sinker
https://gfycat.com/SinfulRawCobra
The movement on this wonderful 88 mph sinker from Kyle Hendricks was simply breathtaking — Brian Anderson could only admire it whilst walking back to the dugout.
Jeremy Jeffress‘ Splitter
https://gfycat.com/GiddyRemoteAffenpinscher
Unheralded Cubs reliever Jeremy Jeffress has a lovely arsenal of pitches, including this 88 mph splitter than struck out Matt Joyce today.
Triston McKenzie’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/flawedgratefuldodo
Though lanky in frame and awkward in delivery, young Indians starter Triston McKenzie will be a popular breakout fantasy pick next season after wowing the baseball world since his debut. This luscious 84 mph slider to Gio Urshela is perfectly placed.
Brooks Raley’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/SnivelingFlippantHare
The Houston Astros have been the surprise of the short-postseason so far, sweeping the Twins to advance. Their pitching has been a big plus, generating plenty of strikeout pitches including this nasty 88 mph cutter from lefty Brooks Raley to fell Max Kepler.
Walker Buehler’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/loathsomepotableduiker
The Dodgers got a classy outing from their ace today — Walker Buehler had all his tools sharpened, including this devastating 82 mph knuckle-curveball to Orlando Arcia.
Chris Bassitt’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/everyremoteankolewatusi
By beating his old club today and providing the spark the Oakland Athletics needed, Chris Bassitt may have just earned the right to be called their ace — check out this lovely slow 72 mph curveball to strike out Yoán Moncada.