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!
Zack Wheeler’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/unfoldedsecondlice
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler started on fire against the Dodgers, striking out Mookie Betts on three straight pitches to open the contest. This delightful 91 mph slider was far too good for the Dodgers superstar, dropping viciously out of the zone late for the strikeout.
Edwin Díaz’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/admiredgreatlice
As the New York Mets continue to roll in the NL East, Edwin Díaz continues to dominate in the ninth inning. This devastating 90 mph hard slider to dispose of Lane Thomas is straight unfair, the outfielder late because of the heat and high due to the vertical drop. Lovely stuff.
Dany Jiménez’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/specificfixedalabamamapturtle
The Oakland A’s have torn down the roster spectacularly but they always find a couple of diamonds amongst their penny-pinching. The latest is Dominican reliever Dany Jiménez, who they got off waivers from the Giants. Jiménez has a lovely over-the-top slider, as shown here as he strikes out Jonathan Schoop on a full count in a save situation.
A.J. Puk’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/miserlyheartyhousefly
Let’s stay with the rebuilding A’s, who are finally starting to see some consistency and health from young A.J. Puk. Plagued by injuries throughout his career so far, Puk flashed his power arm yesterday with this nasty 98 mph heater to strike out rookie Spencer Torkelson.
Yency Almonte’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/greatsorrowfulazurevasesponge
The Dodgers love a good project and in Yency Almonte they seem to have another rags-to-riches candidate in the mold of Andrew Heaney. The Dodgers love Almonte’s slider and have given him license to throw it almost religiously. He gave three reasons as to why yesterday, striking out three with the slider, including this sweeping 85 mph effort to fool Jean Segura.
Dillon Tate’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/absolutequerulousfruitbat
The pitch prior to this elite changeup from Dillon Tate was possibly the worst pitch I’ve seen this season – an errant off-speed pitch that bounced halfway into the batter’s box sending the catcher sprawling to save it. So, to come back with this ridiculously good 85 mph changeup to fell Paul Goldschmidt was some effort.
Steven Matz’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/weedeepbernesemountaindog
Veterans sometimes amaze you with their professional approach and execution. Cardinals starter Steven Matz did just that by perfectly setting up young Orioles hitter Rylan Bannon before delivering this perfect 86 mph changeup low and inside for the strikeout. Top job!
Dylan Cease’s Knuckle-Curveball
https://gfycat.com/adeptmammothaustraliankestrel
And to finish us off, a little drop from heaven. Dylan Cease with a perfectly executed 81 mph knuckle-curve in the top of the zone to dispose of Aaron Hicks. Wowsers!
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)