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!
Sonny Gray’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/scratchyscholarlyarchaeopteryx
The Reds remain in the hunt for the postseason and Sonny Gray is a prime reason why. He took the loss today and his 7-8 record is extremely harsh given his impressive performances this season. His 3.84 ERA is backed up by a 1.18 WHIP and 146/44 K/BB ratio over 126 2/3 innings. Today, unfortunately, he came up against Max Scherzer and the Dodgers. He still struck out five across six strong innings. This delightful 81 mph curveball to fell Max Muncy was a joy to behold live.
Aaron Civale’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/frankcircularethiopianwolf
Cleveland’s Aaron Civale improved to 11-4 for the season after a dominant display against the Yankees. He registered strikeouts on his curveball, splitter, and cutter. This phenomenal 86 mph cut-fastball to strike out Tyler Wade was next-level good.
Max Scherzer’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/CookedBlondJay
After Sonny Gray unleashed that stunning curveball in the top of the second inning, Max Scherzer shrugged his shoulders and unleashed this vicious 77 mph disappearing 12-6 curve to strike out Tucker Barnhart. Nasty!
Jordan Romano’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/NaughtyImpeccableAmericanbadger
Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano bullied Twins slugger Miguel Sano with two high heaters that he couldn’t resist swinging for. This 99 mph four-seam fastball blew Sano away for the strikeout.
Edward Cabrera’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/vengefulwillingarthropods
I’ve been enjoying watching young Marlins prospect Edward Cabrera take some encouraging steps in his first few Major League starts. His offspeed arsenal is something to keep an eye on. Kevin Newman never strikes out but this 84 mph curveball was just way too good.
Chasen Shreve’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/FluffyRealAmericanpainthorse
The Pirates lost David Bednar earlier in the week and with Chris Stratton and Chad Kuhl used heavily in the last few days, they turned to veteran lefty Chasen Shreve to close out the game against the Marlins. Despite allowing a hit and a walk, he got out of the jam with a couple of lovely Ks. This ripping 83 mph splitter was just deadly!
Lance Lynn’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/conventionalwatchfulalabamamapturtle
The big man on the mound, Lance Lynn, showed no mercy on his return to Texas, striking out five over five innings including this fantastic 92 mph cut-fastball to dismiss Nate Lowe. A devastating pitch.
Kris Bubic’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/glossyscaredivorygull
The more I watch young Royals lefty Kris Bubic, the more I am bought into his potential as a long-term starter. This filthy 81 mph changeup to strike out Luis Torrens wins my vote for the nastiest pitch of Saturday.
Tanner Houck’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/agreeableactiveflies
The young and upcoming Red Sox arm Tanner Houck has impressed as both a starter and now out of the bullpen. He had no issues today in rattling through the Orioles – this 93 mph sinker with movement inside to Austin Hays was just beautiful.
Devin Williams‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/DigitalNeglectedDuckbillplatypus
The Airbender doing what The Airbender does best – Devin Williams and his phenomenal 84 mph changeup to strike out Alfonso Rivas. Just look at the anguish on his face!
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)