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!
Michael Kopech’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/happyinsidiousdodobird
Give me a slice of whatever Michael Kopech ate during the offseason! The heralded prospect has been plagued by a series of issues since joining the White Sox, however, he has looked the finished article in his relief appearances this season so far. This phenomenal 85 mph slider to strike out veteran Eddie Rosario was my favorite pitch I saw on Saturday.
Aaron Bummer’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/giddysnappycrustacean
Now there are ways to finish a ball game and this has to be one of the best I saw yesterday – a ferocious 97 mph two-seamer from White Sox lefty Aaron Bummer. Poor Jake Bauers was completely blown away.
Jonathan Loaisiga’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/bravewholecat
PL+ member Burial (great handle) also had their eye on some nasty sinkers yesterday – the plus (plus) movement on this 96 mph Jonathan Loaisiga two-seamer is just criminal. Tigers hitter Grayson Greiner got all scrambled up inside.
Jameson Taillon’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/heavydelectablebear
One of our favorites here at Pitcher List is Yankees starter, Jameson Taillon. After battling injuries and questionable treatment by the Pirates front office, we are delighted to see that he has made a successful return in 2021. This delightful 81 mph curveball to dispose of Tigers infielder Willi Castro was a real highlight of his performance today.
Brandon Woodruff’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/wellmaderapidkodiakbear
Watching Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff go to work is an experience of pure joy. His determination and cool, collected aggression is something to behold. He went head-to-head against the best lineup in baseball today and was outstanding for 6 strong innings. This tantalizing 85 mph curve was too good for Max Muncy.
Jimmy Nelson’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/sparklingdimpledhornet
It would be rude to talk curveballs and not bring the Dodgers’ Jimmy Nelson into the conversation. The master of using the pitch as a swing and miss weapon was at it again yesterday – catcher Luke Maile was on the wrong side of this sensational 89 mph breaking ball.
Zach Davies‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/eminentdaringeft
It’s been a rough start for Zach Davies in Chicago but today’s win will likely endear him to the fans a little more. He had his crafty changeup working nicely – this 79 mph offering to strike out Eugenio Suarez was a ripper.
Luis Castillo’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/impressivegracefulallensbigearedbat
Just go back and watch Luis Castillo’s complete first inning yesterday if you can today. It was special…as was this 89 mph changeup to Kris Bryant, low and touching the outside corner. Poetry.
Jack Flaherty’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/rigidfineesok
Remarkably, this 78 mph curveball from Jack Flaherty was his first K using the pitch this season. With a pitch as good as this then you would think we might see a lot more of it going forward. It always takes something special to strike out Pirates’ second-baseman Kevin Newman.
Blake Snell’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/spectaculargleamingamericanratsnake
Anyone who has watched the Giants this season knows how well veteran catcher Buster Posey is hitting, so this vicious 90 mph changeup from Blake Snell was downright nasty.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)