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!
Kevin Gausman’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/innocentwideeyedivorybilledwoodpecker
A masterclass from Toronto Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman spearheaded a day of phenomenal pitching performances across baseball. Gausman was superb through eight innings, allowing just one hit and one walk (both in the first inning) whilst striking out 10, including this delightful 86 mph splitter to fell Ji-Man Choi.
Jacob deGrom’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/weakvibrantirishterrier
Welcome back Jacob deGrom! The Mets ace finally made his 2022 season debut, and he only went five strong innings and touched 101.6 mph with his heater. We’ve missed him for sure. Nelson Cruz hasn’t though, he became a victim of this wonderful 92 mph changeup. No chance, Boomstick!
Yu Darvish’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/jaggeddisastrousgalapagoshawk
It was a busy day for the Padres off the field, but on it they also got results thanks to a dominant showing from Yu Darvish – the starter struck out seven in six innings including this vicious 88 mph cut-fastball to beat Charlie Blackmon.
Braxton Garrett’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/wholedifferentkentrosaurus
Young Marlins lefty Braxton Garrett has impressed for his pitcher-strapped ball club in his short spell in the big leagues this season. Garrett was impressive with his slider once again, registering seven of his 11 strikeouts with the pitch. This sweeping 85 mph slider was far too good for Donovan Solano.
Spencer Strider’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/unkemptfickleeskimodog
Just the cool 13 strikeouts for the latest Atlanta pitching sensation, Spencer Strider as he picked up his sixth win in only his 12th big league start. This nasty 99 mph heater high and rising in the zone blew past Rhys Hoskins with aplomb.
Matt Manning’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/ornerywellmadechickadee
Detroit’s Matt Manning returned from the injured list and immediately flashed his elite slider. The devastating late movement down and out of the zone from this 82 mph slider was good enough to get the seasoned veteran Jorge Polanco.
Adam Wainwright’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/poordefiniteblackrussianterrier
Adam Wainwright just keeps dealing – the legendary Cardinal starter threw seven scoreless innings against the Cubs to notch his eighth win of the season. Wainwright chucked in this trademark 73 mph 12-6 curveball to fell Ian Happ.
Tyler Anderson’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/femalehomelyirishdraughthorse
The Dodgers have found this year’s diamond in the rough with lefty Tyler Anderson, who once again produced a solid five innings of work to put the Dodgers in a winning position. His stuff isn’t flashy but it is effective, like this 79 mph changeup to strike out Brandon Belt.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)