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!
José Berríos‘ Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/specificcompletebighorn
Toronto is a happy place for former Twins ace José Berríos, who picked up his second win of the season on the back of five and two thirds strong innings against a talented Astros line up. Catch Jason Castro was far too tardy for this lovely 95 mph heater with a pretty tail.
Joan Adon’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/dizzythriftykangaroo
This was my first real good look at young Nationals starter Joan Adon and I was impressed by the potential of the complete pitch mix. Despite giving up four or more earned runs in four of his first five starts, Adon is getting some useful seasoning early in his career. This perfect 88 mph changeup to strikeout Darin Ruf was of high quality.
Logan Webb’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/grippingdistantaoudad
This mesmerizing 86 mph changeup to strike out Nationals leadoff hitter Cesar Hernandez was just the perfect way to start an outing by Logan Webb. Lovely stuff,
Shane McClanahan’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/unhappyalertbrahmancow
Outstanding Rays starter Shane McClanahan struck out 11 across five innings today including this unbelievable 85 mph changeup with eye-watering horizontal movement to fell Ryan Jeffers. Hat tip to Pitcher List+ member Matt Nielsen for spotting this ripper.
Chris Archer’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/politelivekillerwhale
Chris Archer reminded us just why he was considered one of the bright young arms in baseball a few years back with a dazzling four innings of work for the Twins, which included this phenomenal 87 mph changeup to embarrass Wander Franco.
José Suarez’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/tornfatherlygreatwhiteshark
The look on Jake Burger’s face after this ripping 83 mph changeup from Angels starter José Suarez is priceless – “what just happened to me?!”
Jesús Luzardo’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/parchedfinishedirishwolfhound
The Lizard King strikes again – Miami Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo with a 99 mph heater that pins the inside corner of Julio Rodríguez’s strike zone. The young prospect’s reaction showing appreciation for the pitch. Straight nasty!
Robbie Ray’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/weepyinexperiencedjenny
Mariners starter Robbie Ray recorded eight strikeouts all on his slider yesterday and this 87 mph beauty to strike out Brian Anderson was the best of the lot.
Cole Irvin’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/agreeableenviousiberianemeraldlizard
The crafty A’s lefty Cole Irvin is vastly underrated and he went head-to-head with Shane Bieber today and looked every bit the part. This delightful 77 mph curveball to strike out one of the best hitters in the league, José Ramírez, is more than worthy to take out today’s crown. Just look at that ball drop down the trapdoor – nasty!
Gerrit Cole’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/ringedthoughtfulaurochs
When you have Gerrit Cole pitching a beauty on a Saturday, he’s always going to feature in the day’s nastiest pitches. Here it is, the good old number one to paint the corner and ring up Hunter Dozier.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)