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!
Sixto Sánchez’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/realisticloneacornweevil
The pitch sequence Sixto Sánchez used to lead into this devastating 90 mph changeup gives context to just how good this pitch was. The young Marlins starter threw a couple of offspeed pitches in the 80 mph range before touching Jonathan Villar’s chin with two heaters, the one before this pitch registering 100 mph. And then this to finish him off. Just plain nasty! Hat tip to PL+ Member KingHippo who also appreciated this K.
Joe Musgrove’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/opulentscentedfugu
It was good to see Joe Musgrove and his Money Pitch back on the mound–Ian Happ only found thin air trying to hit this nasty 87 mph slider.
Zac Gallen’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/totaltarthorsemouse
It has been a rough start to Gavin Lux’s Major League career–he had absolutely no chance at getting anywhere near this 84 mph changeup from Zac Gallen that rips viciously low and away.
Charlie Morton’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/frankminorantarcticfurseal
It was only a short outing for Charlie Morton on his return from the injured list, but it had me chanting “I want more! I want more!” This lovely 79 mph curveball fooled Brett Gardner to end the 2nd inning with a strikeout.
Hyun-Jin Ryu’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/courageousfineirrawaddydolphin
Let’s go back-to-back on the delicious curveballs, this time it is Blue Jays starter Hyun-Jin Ryu with a slow 74 mph curve that starts way outside but neatly nestles on the outside corner of the plate, freezing Jon Berti.
Max Scherzer’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/fearlessdefensiveeasternnewt
It is no mean feat to strike out Bryce Harper on current form but that is exactly what Nationals ace Max Scherzer did twice today–the best of them was thanks to this nasty 92 mph cutter low and inside. At first, it looks like his four-seamer but then dips deceivingly under Harper’s bat.
Zack Wheeler’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/dishonestimmaculategalah
Clearly Zack Wheeler wanted to follow up teammate Aaron Nola’s stellar outing the day prior, and he started proceedings by blowing this 98 mph four-seamer past Juan Soto for his first K.
Triston McKenzie’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/ajarincompletecentipede
In only his third start in the bigs, tall Indians young buck Triston McKenzie is making a splash–he went back-to-back in strikeouts in the bottom of the 1st inning, this 94 mph heater accounted for Hunter Dozier.
Walker Buehler’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/nastyneedycolt
Sexy sinker alert! Dodger’s ace Walker Buehler is one of the most exciting young pitchers to watch in Major League Baseball–he usually mixes in his sinker early into outings and this delicious 96 mph offering catches the outside corner of David Peralta’s plate.
Cristian Javier’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/showyleandikkops
It has been the year of rookie pitchers balling out, and Cristian Javier of the Houston Astros did exactly that in picking up the win against the Texas Rangers yesterday. The movement of this 78 mph slider is only bettered by its deceptive pace–a fantastic pitch to get an experienced hitter like Joey Gallo who swung an hour too early.
Ryan Pressly’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/academicdrearyermine
Ryan Pressly has had an interesting start to his role as the Astros new closer, but this wicked 81 mph curveball to dispose of Shin-Soo Choo was a ripper.
Tyler Matzek’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/distinctoffbeatblackpanther
Tyler Matzek is a veteran lefty who has provided stability in the Braves bullpen this season–I really loved this 87 mph slider to punch out Alex Verdugo in a key moment in the game.
John Gant’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/educatedweeklyfieldmouse
Showing some love to a few unheralded relievers tonight, Cardinals set up man John Gant fells Jesse Winker with this beautiful 95 mph sinker on the inside corner.
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.
[polldaddy poll=10603531]
I’m just voting for Max because the slowmo of his facial expression and sweat flying is PRIMAL. He’s not throwing a pitch. he is launching a spear into the heart of his enemy.