As we gear up for the 2022 season, the Nastiest Pitches team will be highlighting some of the filthiest pitches we see during Spring Training. If you see something you think should be included here be sure to tweet @PitcherList to let us know. Or, if you’re a PL+ Member and part of our Discord, shout it out in the #nasty-pitches channel, where we host giveaways during the season. If you’re not already a PL+ member, you’re missing out!
Edward Cabrera’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/vigilantpalatablecranefly
The 23-year-old Edward Cabrera made his first Spring start Monday morning and was masterful in his three innings of work. Cabrera struggled in his limited innings in 2021 but will look to take a step forward this year. He showed off a great slider here to Josh Bell. (h/t to PL+ member nvita)
Framber Valdez’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/warmheartedunhappybrocketdeer
Framber Valdez’s curveball made regular appearances on the Nastiest Pitches list in 2021 and the breaker seems to be in good form entering 2022. Valdez put away Tyler O’Neill here in the first, one of Valdez’s three strikeouts on the day.
Devin Williams‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/ignorantdamagedcobra
Another regular on Nastiest Pitches is Devin Williams’ changeup. The pitch carries a whiff percentage hovering around 50% and it’s easy to see why with its insane amount of both horizontal and vertical movement.
Corbin Burnes‘ Cutter
https://gfycat.com/weightymenacingflyinglemur
A second Brewer makes the list today, as starter Corbin Burnes looked to be in his Cy Young form, striking out eight over five innings. His cutter, a huge contributor to his success, looked pristine here at the expense of Jason Krizan.
Logan Webb’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/ancientsoreflicker
Starting opposite Burnes on Monday was Logan Webb. Webb saw an incredible amount of success in 2021 punctuated by his strong playoff performances. The expected 2022 Opening Day starter struggled a bit in this one, but should still have time to round into form before the beginning of the regular season. Despite allowing four runs on the day, Webb tallied five Ks and showed off a great changeup to strikeout Kolten Wong in the first.
Paul Blackburn’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/distantvelvetyafricanaugurbuzzard
Rounding out Monday’s edition of Nastiest Pitches is A’s starter Paul Blackburn. A’s fans may not see many familiar faces in Oakland this year, but Blackburn will return to the squad for his sixth season. While he’s struggled to find much success thus far, he did strikeout reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani on a nice breaking ball.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)