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!
Shohei Ohtani’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/hilariousdemandingbeagle
Just your average un-hittable 90 mph split-finger fastball from the sensation that is Shohei Ohtani. Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Allen, we are all feeling sorry for you. Magical stuff from the soon-to-be MVP.
Brady Singer’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/thataggressivecleanerwrasse
The young Royals pitching prospects are certainly showing a heap of development in 2022 – atop that list is probably Brady Singer, who has now honed elite command of his two-seam fastballs. This 95 mph sinker with perfect location, elite velocity, and nasty movement had José Abreu watching and admiring.
Shane Bieber’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/unitedzestydoctorfish
Guardians ace Shane Bieber delivered the goods once again in his team’s dominant 5-2 win over the Tigers. Bieber struck out eight across seven scoreless innings in which he allowed just four hits and one walk. Tucker Barnhart had no chance with this trademark 83 mph slider.
Josh Staumont’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/idleonlycricket
In the second game of the White Sox and Royals doubleheader, Kansas City’s Josh Staumont put on a late-innings pitching clinic in the ninth. This delightful 83 mph curveball to strike out Adam Engel was a joy to behold.
Jalen Beeks‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/saltyperiodicdinosaur
Lefty Rays reliever Jalen Beeks has always been a whiz with creating movement on his off-speed pitches to generate swings and misses. This perfectly located 91 mph changeup with extra juice to dart down and away from Michael A. Taylor was pure perfection.
Zack Wheeler’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/bossydaringafricanelephant
Elite Zack Wheeler two-seam fastballs for days! The Phillies veteran showing why he is so good with a nasty 97 mph sinker that fools Garrett Cooper into thinking it will run inside before nestling perfectly inside his strike zone. Exquisite.
Carlos Carrasco’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/angrycloudygoldenretriever
Carlos Carrasco has been lights out recently and another win, his 13th of the season, was inevitable after a fantastic showing against the Reds. Carrasco struck out nine, including this brilliant 89 mph changeup to fell Jonathan India.
Luis Castillo’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/timelyhollowfox
Gerrit Cole and Luis Castillo put on a show, probably the best show from two pitchers we have seen all season. It was phenomenal. The newly minted Mariner Castillo won the pitch of the day, however with this sensational 98 mph two-seam fastball to strike out Josh Donaldson.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)