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 Scherzer’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/WatchfulKnobbyBunny
Why did we ever wonder if Max Scherzer would enjoy it on the West Coast? He has been absolutely phenomenal since joining from the Nationals, and yesterday was as complete a performance as you will see from the veteran master of the art of pitching. His 13th and final strikeout across his sensational eight frames came thanks to this amazing 86 mph changeup to baffle Paul DeJong. Elite.
Lance McCullers’ Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/coordinatedunpleasantgoitered
The Astros breezed past the Mariners on the back of another excellent outing from Lance McCullers. The righty with his flowing locks struck out seven across six dominant innings, allowing just two runs on four hits. This beautifully located 85 mph knuckle curveball followed a changeup with a similar velocity that was positioned a little higher. You can see Jose Marmolejos reaching for it. A perfectly placed pitch.
A.J. Alexy’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/AngelicLiquidCatfish
Finally, the Rangers have a promising young pitcher who looks to be made for the big leagues. A.J. Alexy was acquired as part of the Yu Darvish trade with the Dodgers back in 2017, and after a few rough years with injury concerns, he has won both of his first two starts in the bigs in impressive fashion. He allowed just one hit and walked two while striking out seven across six scoreless innings against the Angels. This delightful 86 mph changeup to MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani was his nastiest delivery of the night.
Kevin Gausman’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/piercingoddballbluetonguelizard
Death, taxes, and Kevin Gausman’s splitter. This wonderful 84 mph splitter low and away to Garrett Hampson is just too nasty.
Zack Wheeler’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/GratefulSleepyAtlanticsharpnosepuffer
Zack Wheeler brought the heat today in the Phillies’ 12-0 rout of the Brewers. Wheeler did not allow a run or a walk in a commanding performance where he struck out nine across six innings. This vicious high, rising 97 mph four-seamer plants the nail atop the corner of Eduardo Escobar’s strike zone. Nasty heat!
Brandon Woodruff’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/frenchperkydegus
It certainly wasn’t Brandon Woodruff’s fault the Brewers lost 12-0. Although, he did uncharacteristically give up three home runs across his six innings. In a mixed outing, he did throw a couple of beauties, including this x mph curveball to ring up Andrew McCutchen.
David Bednar’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/UniqueSpitefulIraniangroundjay
What a rookie season it has been for rookie David Bednar in Pittsburgh. Yesterday was Bednar’s ninth straight scoreless appearance and his third save since taking over the closer role for the traded Richard Rodriguez. He boasts a 34/6 K/BB ratio in 26 2/3 innings so far this year. Wow! He struck out the side yesterday in a 1-2-3 ninth inning, all three Ks were from his mesmerizing curveball. This 79 mph ripper disposed of Derek Hill.
Sonny Gray’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/UglyFilthyGuineafowl
Oh, Sonny! How you tease us with your brilliance. Another above-average season for Sonny Gray, yet I cannot help feel a little disappointed again as he has failed to reach the potential that he displays on so many outings. Gray is still operating on a pitch count, so his 66 pitches may seem low but he did manage to strike out eight through five innings, including six with his majestic sinker. This beautiful 92 mph comeback two-seamer completely freezes Sergio Alcantara.
Hyun Jin Ryu’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/CooperativeAlarmingApatosaur
89 mph down and inside with extra late movement. This cutter to strike out Gleyber Torres is just plain nasty from Hyun Jin Ryu.
Kyle Finnegan’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/DimwittedVainAustrianpinscher
And here is a nasty way to finish – pure heat from Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan, who served up this ripping 95 mph two-seamer to strike out Francisco Lindor in the ninth.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)