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!
Hyun Jin Ryu’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/definitivedrearycormorant
Welcome back Hyun Jin Ryu! And what a return! The much-loved South Korean was fantastic on his return from the injured list, striking out three and giving up just one run as the Blue Jays knocked off the Rays 5-1. This trademark 81 mph changeup to fell Mike Zunino was simply a joy to behold.
Germán Márquez’s Knuckle Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ripewarmeasternnewt
Rockies ace Germán Márquez achieved something very few people have in their Major League careers, getting Salvador Perez to bend the knee. This ripping 86 mph knuckle-curve shows vicious vertical break to send Sal to the dirt.
Jordan Montgomery’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/creepypowerlessamericancreamdraft
It was a good day for terrific curveballs, including this beauty from Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery – this time Yasmani Grandal kneeled to honor a nasty 81 mph curveball low and inside.
Shane Bieber’s Knuckle Curveball
https://gfycat.com/realdampbuzzard
And our run on curveballs would not be complete without heading to checkout Guardians ace Shane Bieber – shaking off an indifferent start to the year, Bieber had his knuckle-curve humming yesterday, this disappearing 83 mph effort was way too good for Jorge Polanco.
Jhoan Duran’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/gaseouscleanangelfish
Jhoan Duran’s heralded “splinker” can never be left out of this article when it is as beautiful as this – 99 mph with extra movement to wrap up a 1-2-3 ninth inning, this split-finger fastball is without doubt the best pitch in baseball right now. Thanks for coming, Franmil Reyes.
Luis Castillo’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/bonyhelplessantarcticfurseal
The old magic resurfaced for Reds ace Luis Castillo in a solid outing against the Pirates. This lovely 86 mph changeup etching away from lefty Josh VanMeter has everything that we love about nasty pitches.
Trevor Rogers‘ Slider
https://gfycat.com/acclaimedsociablebactrian
Miami starter Trevor Rogers won the most attractive pitching battle of the day, overcoming Eric Lauer in the Marlins’ 9-3 win over the Brewers – this beautiful 80 mph slider to Willy Adames finished up the fifth inning and equalled his season-high for most strikeouts in a single start with seven.
Eric Lauer’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/sereneeasyinvisiblerail
Don’t worry if you were missing all the nasty curveballs, here is Eric Lauer to save the day with a ripping 80 mph curveball to embarrass the big-swinging Jesús Aguilar. Lovely stuff.
Sean Manaea’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/pitifulsneakyaltiplanochinchillamouse
There was a lot to admire about this cracking Sean Manaea two-seam fastball, at least Austin Riley thought so. The Atlanta slugger could only watch and admire as this perfectly located 93 mph sinker nestled on the outside edge of the strike zone for the K.
Charlie Morton’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/questionabledisguisedgallowaycow
It had to be one last curveball, and who better than the master of the art to deliver it. Charlie Morton ringing up Eric Hosmer with this delightful 81 mph curve for the win. Vote away!
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)