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!
Shane McClanahan’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/allcomfortablecygnet
The best pitcher in baseball, Shane McClanahan, delivered the nastiest pitch of the day in yet another outstanding performance for the Rays. Slugger Teoscar Hernández was completely fooled by this devastating 12-6 82 mph curveball.
Gerrit Cole’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/impeccablesparklingamericanpainthorse
The Yankees won both games of the doubleheader against the Guardians, continuing their domination in 2022. Gerrit Cole was on the mound and produced a usual solid outing. This 89 mph hard slider provided a dazzling strike out of José Ramírez.
David Bednar’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/shockingunacceptableaustralianfreshwatercrocodile
Pirates closer David Bednar notched his 12th save of the season in comprehensive fashion and this wonderful 91 mph split-finger fastball disappearing below the zone was a ripper – Rowdy Tellez was just swinging at air.
Spencer Strider’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/charmingadolescentdrever
Ladies and gentleman, Spencer Strider! 101 mph heater on his way to 11 Ks. Naaaaaasty!
Patrick Sandoval’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/questionabledigitalfiddlercrab
It was not an outing to remember for Patrick Sandoval yesterday but when he produces a pitch like this un-hittable 83 mph changeup to strike out Alex Bregman, we will bend the knee. Wowsers!
Beau Brieske’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/honoredtorncirriped
Beau Brieske is my new favorite find of 2022! The young righty has flown under the radar for the Tigers, but he is quietly proving he has what it takes to be an effective starter in the majors. His elite changeup was on full display yesterday, striking out three, including Hunter Dozier with this 83 mph effort.
Paul Blackburn’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/obviousunsungdrake
Despite the standings, the Oakland Athletics have once again found a good starting rotation that is currently being let down by the bullpen and the bats. Paul Blackburn has emerged as yet another unheralded arm from the A’s and his six and a third shutout innings were exemplary. Here’s a phenomenal 91 mph two-seamer that jelly legs Dylan Moore.
Mark Leiter Jr.’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/fluidillduck
The Cubs are taking the wins where they can after a miserable season so far. However, they have won seven of their last ten games thanks to some unlikely heroes. One of those is Mark Leiter Jr., who flashed this nasty 85 mph changeup to strike out Trevor Story yesterday.
Tyler Anderson’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/unacceptablegivinggazelle
A devastating pitch to left-handers, the Dodgers’ diamond-in-the-rough, Tyler Anderson, flouted his terrific cutter whilst picking up his ninth win of the season against the Padres. This 86 mph cut-fastball sliding low and away from the bat of Trent Grisham was a joy to watch.
Yu Darvish’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/onlyashamedgadwall
It was a mix of loose pitching and poor fielding that allowed the Dodgers to jump ahead early during Yu Darvish’s start yesterday. However, the ever-watchable Darvish did produce some lovely stuff, striking out nine on the way. This beautiful 83 mph slider to Chris Taylor is a ripper.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)
Spencer Strider struck out 11 in 6 innings, touched 102 and had a filthy breaking ball, yet, somehow he’s not on today’s list.
Wait, there’s an option to vote for him, but the gif isn’t showing for me.
Should be fixed now, Bob!