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!
Shane Bieber’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/earlyrigidflycatcher
When on his game there are few better than Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber. Worries over his velocity and command scared off many fantasy managers this year but Bieber has only allowed more than three runs once in 15 starts and is approaching 100 strikeouts for the season. This delightful 85 mph slider is just bread-and-butter at this stage of the year.
Bryan Shaw’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/carelesswidekodiakbear
There is life in the old dog yet – a popular saying and one that is so true when it comes to reliever Bryan Shaw. The Guardians veteran shows that it is all about the quality rather than the quantity with this vicious 94 mph cutter to dispose of Byron Buxton, one of the game’s best.
Aaron Nola’s Knuckle-Curveball
https://gfycat.com/giganticspectaculareyra
Aaron Nola is on a tear! The Phillies ace has racked up three wins and another two quality starts across six starts over the past month and his dangerous knuckle-curve has been devastating hitters. This 79 mph beauty embarrassed Adam Duvall.
Luis Garcia’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/concernedblaringarachnid
Luis Garcia’s trademark delivery routine is just as entertaining as his stuff, especially when it is as good as this 87 mph changeup which kisses the chin of the strike zone to fell Joey Gallo.
JT Brubaker’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/bogusmasculinejunebug
The underrated Pirates ace JT Brubaker is always a value watch in an otherwise derisory team – here is the starter showing why with a lovely 82 mph curveball to Rowdy Tellez. Brubaker fooled Tellez with a high fastball in the pitch prior, jamming him inside before unleashing this gem.
Yusei Kikuchi’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/leadingevendormouse
This was always the pitch that baseball fans wanted to see from Yusei Kikuchi when he first came over from Japan. An exquisite delivery action and elite drop are all to be admired from this 87 mph changeup to strike out Randy Arozarena.
Kyle Hendricks‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/groundedcheerfulankolewatusi
There is everything to admire about this signature 80 mph changeup from Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks to strike out Max Schrock. Nasty!
Joe Musgrove’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/hiddeneasyfugu
Poor Joe Musgrove! The Padres starter was outstanding in his outing against the Dodgers, striking out 10 in seven strong innings. However, the Padres bats fell silent and he came away with the loss. Still, 10 Ks will always deserve an inclusion in this article. A ripping 84 mph slider to strike out Chris Taylor was his pitch of the day.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)