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!
Jacob deGrom’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/youngathleticfugu
It is no joke to say that I could have filled this article with 10 pitches from Jacob deGrom. The Mets ace was lethal against the Padres, mainly devastating the entire lineup with his phenomenal slider, which accounted for nine of his 11 Ks. This 92 mph slider fools Jurickson Profar and is a mere example of the nastiness deGrom was throwing all night. He walked away with the win in a 4-0 victory for the Mets.
Joe Musgrove’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/bewitchedgrouchyaruanas
You have to feel for any starter going up against deGrom on this kind of form right now. Joe Musgrove was also mightily impressive yesterday for the Padres, striking out 10 before running into trouble in the fifth inning. His pitch of the day for me was this perfectly placed 92 mph cutter to dispose of Francisco Lindor, who reverts to the old hands on the head in disbelief.
Nabil Crismatt’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/paleeageramericanbadger
The standard of pitching in this game was next level, with both teams combining for 30 strikeouts! Once deGrom and Musgrove left, the nastiness did not stop. Here is Padres long reliever Nabil Crismatt with a delicious 81 mph fading changeup with plus movement to baffle Dominic Smith.
Seth Lugo’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/decentearnestdromedary
Welcome back, Seth Lugo! The Mets’ former starter now high-leverage arm has been missed at the back of the bullpen this season, but he is back with a vengeance now. This wicked 95 mph four-seam fastball not only painted the inside corner and struck out Jurickson Profar but also induced a bat slam and immediate ejection. That is one nasty pitch! Thanks to PL+ member nvita for the tip-off!
Edwin Díaz’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/incomparabledangerousfishingcat
Ok, the last one from this game I promised! You have to forgive me, though, I mean 30 strikeouts people! Edwin Díaz finished the game off in style thanks to this filthy 102 mph heater that blew past a frozen Ha-seong Kim to end the game.
Kevin Gausman’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/tamebitterkinglet
Reigning National League Pitcher of the Month, Kevin Gausman went another seven strong innings to earn the win over the high-flying Chicago Cubs today. This sensational 85 mph split-change to punch out Willson Contreras has to be watched about 20 times just to be believed. Wonderful stuff that PL+ member CatDad didn’t fail to highlight.
Brandon Woodruff’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/briskinsistentaustraliankestrel
There are few better pitchers to tune in to watch for the neutral right now than Brandon Woodruff. The Brewers’ ace has been terrific for his ball club so far this year. Here’s his staple nasty curve – a 12-6, 85 mph offering that embarrasses veteran hitter Stephen Vogt.
Tarik Skubal’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/peskydecisivegallowaycow
Another starter who is really finding his groove in Detroit is Tarik Skubal. Overshadowed somewhat by young gun Casey Mize, Skubal has been consistently impressive over the past month. This ripping 88 mph slider to finish off Andrew Vaughn was his best pitch of the day.
Tyler Mahle’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/vaguerapidirishdraughthorse
It was an excellent afternoon for Reds starter Tyler Mahle – not something we have been able to say as much this year as we did in 2020. Mahle worked his fastball in amongst his offspeed pitches perfectly today, allowing him to use his splitter to get back into the count. Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter found himself swinging at fresh air on this perfect 85 mph splitter low and away.
Lucas Sims‘ Curveball
https://gfycat.com/disastrousflickeringlemur
All the leg work was done by Tyler Mahle but new Reds closer Lucas Sims finished the job nicely. Andrew Knizner never had a chance with this delightful 87 mph curveball that had the Cardinals hitter looking to the heavens.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)