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!
Lucas Giolito’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/jovialcompleteimago
It hasn’t been all roses for Chicago White Sox ace Lucas Giolito this season, as he has struggled with command early in starts this year. However, today was masterful and akin to what we saw in 2021. This delightful 82 mph changeup to strike out Donovan Walton is the big ace at his best.
Zack Wheeler’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/imaginativeicycoyote
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler started his seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals with a vicious 99 mph heater up over the chin of Tommy Edman to show he meant business.
Adam Wainwright’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/selfassuredpalatableindochinesetiger
Opposite Wheeler was another wily veteran in Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals. The pitching duel was a joy to watch as the two pros went about their business with aplomb. This signature 73 mph 12-6 curveball dropping from the sky to fool Rhys Hoskins.
MacKenzie Gore’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/earnestsourbarb
It was the young pretender against the veteran king in Los Angeles as MacKenzie Gore went head-to-head with Clayton Kershaw in an exciting matchup that left pitching connoisseurs with their mouths watering. Gore struck first with this beautiful 86 mph hard slider to strike out Gavin Lux.
Clayton Kershaw’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/fragrantunnaturalleonberger
Clayton Kershaw’s response went a little something like this, “Hey rookie, I’ve been doing this for years, and I can go all day!” A signature 87 mph slider to dispose of Luke Voit.
Robbie Ray’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/bravegeneraldromedary
Mariners ace Robbie Ray was dominant against the hapless Oakland A’s yesterday, notching 12 strike outs on his way to his seventh win of 2022. This perfectly located 95 mph two-seamer was far too good for Stephen Piscotty.
Framber Valdez’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/neighboringamazingamericanmarten
What a performance from Astros lefty Framber Valdez, who tormented Angels hitters all night. He recorded a whopping 13 strikeouts across six strong innings, with nine coming by way of his vicious curveball. However, here we see something different – a variation of his curve but thrown harder and labelled a cutter at 84 mph. Shohei Ohtani was simply guessing.
Jordan Montgomery’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/frailcoordinatedgoldfinch
The Yankees big lefty Jordan Montgomery has been sensational so far in 2022 – his eight strikeouts across five innings yesterday showed his ability to use all his pitches to produce Ks. Myles Straw was jelly legged on this 93 mph two-seamer that paints the inside of the strike zone.
Brandon Woodruff’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/cluelessclumsyalbatross
Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff has come back from the injured list and been completely dominant for the Brew Crew – this phenomenal 87 mph changeup to strikeout Bryan Reynolds was top drawer.
Shane Baz’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/criminallimpbat
Let’s glimpse to the future after all that elite veteran action. Shane Baz produced one of his most dominant outings since being promoted to the majors, fanning seven across six brilliant innings. This deceptive 84 mph curveball to Teoscar Hernández completely fooled the veteran with the ball starting flat like a fastball but dipping and bouncing well before the plate to embarrass the slugger.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)