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 Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/ExcitableDeadLeveret
We were made to wait for the 2021 debut of the perennially sensational Jacob deGrom, but it was worth it. The Mets ace was near unhittable through 6 innings and was surprisingly pulled with a 2-0 lead despite only throwing 76 pitches. That backfired on the Mets (of course it did!) who went on to lose to the Phillies. This perfect 99 mph heater set the tone early for deGrom, who posted 7 strikeouts, leaving Andrew McCutchen clueless.
Miguel Castro’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/considerateglossygraysquirrel
Come for DeGrom, stay for Miguel Castro’s 101 mph sinker that painted the outside corner of Jean Segura’s plate. Lovely stuff.
Frankie Montas‘ Splitter
https://gfycat.com/HospitableWellgroomedItaliangreyhound
After a promising 1st inning or so it all fell apart for Frankie Montas, which has pretty much been the story of the season so far for the Oakland rotation. Uncharacteristically poor defense and a shaky bullpen haven’t helped the A’s, and Montas was on the end of some of that too today. He did show his worth with this delightful 89 mph split-finger fastball to befuddle Cody Bellinger before it got ugly.
Dustin May’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/HalfFemaleAardwolf
What didn’t help the A’s either was the superior pitching of Dodgers starter Dustin May. After nabbing the final spot in the rotation from David Price, May justified the decision with a brilliant display of control and pitch selection. His primary weapon, the two-seamer, was firing on all cylinders. This 98 mph sinker viciously shuffling inside to Mark Canha was poetry in motion.
Jordan Montgomery’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/LazyPoliteBadger
After the indomitable Gerrit Cole, the most reliable Yankees starter is undoubtedly the unheralded Jordan Montgomery. He is also in line to be the season’s fantasy steal in terms of starting pitchers. He registered his first win today with a consummate display over 6 innings, recording 7 strikeouts, no earned runs, and zero walks whilst allowing just 4 hits. His best K was thanks to this enticing 81 mph curveball to in-thing Cedric Mullins.
Mac Sceroler’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/distanthelplesskookaburra
We love a good debut here at Pitcher List and young Orioles rookie Mac Sceroler gave a solid account of himself over 2.2 innings against the Yankees. A former 5th round pick of the Cincinnati Reds, the Orioles claimed Sceroler off waivers back in December 2020 and it was immediately clear to understand why: This 84 mph splitter to ring up Gary Sanchez was simply mouthwatering. Hat tip to PL+ member Mike Perugini for this recommendation.
Adrian Morejon’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/AcidicFittingFrigatebird
I am a big fan of young Padres lefty Adrian Morejon, and I hope today was the sign of stretching him out to full-time starting duties. Morejon went 4 innings and threw 64 pitches. He gave up 2 long balls but the talent and potential were on show for all to see. This beautiful 85 mph changeup to Mauricio Dubon was his pitch of the day.
Adam Ottavino’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/allformalindianpalmsquirrel
The Red Sox found themselves in a bases-loaded jam up by 5 in the 8th inning… ah, that’s why they traded for Adam Ottavino. The veteran delivered with a ripping 81 mph slider to strike out Mike Brosseau and end the inning.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)