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!
Carlos Rodón’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/sizzlingsparseannelid
A fierce 11 strikeouts for the inimitable Carlos Rodón today in the White Sox’s 4-0 win over their crosstown rivals, the Cubs. High heat and disappearing sliders were the integral parts of the strategy and they were both in scintillating form. Here is a 97 mph “old number one” to punch out Andrew Romine. It is becoming his trademark pitch. Naaaaaaasty!
Chris Flexen’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/eminentscaredgrouse
The location on this cut-fastball from Mariners starter Chris Flexen was just lovely to watch. Nicking the outside of the strike zone, Flexen beautifully meanders the ball from outside to in. DJ LeMahieu can only look at this 89 mph cutter for the strikeout.
Clay Holmes‘ Sinker
https://gfycat.com/accomplishedbasicgarpike
Clay Holmes has been just what the Yankees needed since his arrival from the Pirates in a trade before the deadline. Today, he struck out all three batters he faced with called strikes thanks to his phenomenal sinker. This lovely 96 mph sinker low in the zone set up Mitch Haniger to be his third victim of a stellar seventh inning.
Matt Barnes‘ Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/baddimgoosefish
Welcome back from the injured list, Matt Barnes. The Red Sox were desperate to get their veteran closer back this week to kickstart their fledgling playoff push. This wonderful 85 mph knuckle curveball to strike out the dangerous George Springer in the bottom of the seventh inning of the second double-header was simply elite.
Cole Irvin’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/greenflamboyantisopod
Do not sleep on Cole Irvin as a sneaky arm for your fantasy baseball run-in to the playoffs. The lefty has been lights out recently for the Athletics and today was no different. This beautiful 84 mph changeup running away from righty DJ Peters is exactly the kind of nasty from a guy like Irvin needs to execute to be effective. Top stuff.
Shane McClanahan’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/grouchyphonyethiopianwolf
The young Rays lefty Shane McClanahan is turning his new curveball into a serious put-away pitch. As shown here by this vicious 83 mph curveball to make light work of Orioles outfielder Austin Hays. Huge thanks to PL+ member Pete Dixon for bringing this to my attention!
Eli Morgan’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/insidiouswholedavidstiger
Ooft! This was a ripper! Young Cleveland arm Eli Morgan set up Tigers catcher Eric Haase with a 90 mph fastball low in the zone before coming back at him with this delicious 73 mph change to fool him for the K. My pitch of the day!
Tyler Alexander’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/impassionedeachcurlew
On the other side of the matchup with Morgan was Tigers lefty Tyler Alexander, who has impressed recently since joining the rotation in mid-July. He picked up his second win of the season yesterday and looked confident in using his arsenal. This nasty 88 mph cutter to jam Myles Straw high and inside was the best of his four strikeouts.
Ryan Pressly’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/welltodoequatorialamericancrocodile
The big man is back at the business end of the Astros’ bullpen and Ryan Pressly returned in dominant fashion in a non-save situation. This trademark 80 mph curve with extra downward bite made youngster Brent Rooker look a little silly.
Josiah Gray’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ancientdistortedaustraliancurlew
Well, this pitch has officially been labeled a curveball but I wouldn’t blame you if you are thinking, “no, that’s a slider!” The Nationals acquired Josiah Gray from the Dodgers in the blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to Los Angeles at the trade deadline. This performance was highly encouraging, mixing in the curveball and his nasty slider in with his plus fastball. Veteran hitter Adam Duvall swinging at thin air here.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)