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.
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Jacob deGrom’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/rashadorablegermanshepherd
After a shaky first inning, Jacob deGrom posted 14 Ks in yet another masterful display against Atlanta. The slider was in fine form, so much so that he threw four-in-a-row to Freddie Freeman, all located in the same place. This 93 mph slider struck him out and made him look a little silly in the process – not something you ever see of last year’s National League MVP winner.
Carlos Rodon’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/impassionedwarydikkops
The enigmatic Carlos Rodon has seen his velocity rise and rise throughout 2021. He hit 100 mph a few times today but none was as enjoyable to watch as this high 100 mph heater to strike out slugger Nelson Cruz. Woah, Nelly!
Yusei Kikuchi’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/unnaturaldownrighthog
The Mariners’ Japanese sensation Yusei Kikuchi has really come into his own in 2021. One of the key reasons for his success is his hard cut-fastball, which has induced hitters to swing much more outside the zone. This is the perfect example – a 94 mph cutter that starts in the strike zone then frighteningly drops away to fell Santiago Espinal. Beautiful.
Nathan Eovaldi’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/thoroughtidykouprey
It was another dominant outing from Red Sox starter, Nathan Eovaldi – he struck out six Royals hitters and needed only 84 pitches to go seven scoreless innings. He threw the pitch just 15% of the time but produced this nasty 89 mph splitter to strike out Ryan O’Hearn and end the first inning. Eovaldi is putting up frontline starter numbers right now and looks back to his best.
Dane Dunning’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/slushyfastjackrabbit
It’s safe to say former White Sox youngster Dane Dunning hasn’t set the world alight in Texas after the Rangers acquired him in a trade. However, the ball club is committed to the talented righty and his promising five-pitch arsenal. His staple is the sinker, which he uses to great effect here to strike out A’s catcher Aramis Garcia on his way out of a jam in the third inning of yesterday’s 8-3 win.
Corbin Burnes‘ Cutter
https://gfycat.com/spottedboldkagu
Another day, another sensational cutter from the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes. Perfectly placed to the lefty Ka’ai Tom, this 94 mph cutter tempts the hitter to swing high and away as it continues to rise out of the strike zone. N-a-s-t-y!
Wil Crowe’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/yawningunrulyafricanhornbill
The former Nationals prospect Wil Crowe has had a rough start to his Major League Baseball career with the Pirates, however, he does possess a couple of plus offerings. The best is his excellent changeup – this 85 mph beauty darting low and away to strike out Omar Narvaez.
Framber Valdez’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/speedyfalseakitainu
The command that Astros starter Framber Valdez possesses on his curveball is second to none across baseball right now. Here he strikes out Amed Rosario with a devastating 77 mph disappearing curveball that Rosario chases way inside.
Adam Wainwright’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/incompatibleplumpiguanodon
We cannot talk curveballs without including the master of the art – wily veteran Adam Wainwright was at it again last night for the Cardinals with this delicious 74 mph curveball on the outside of the plate to send Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon packing.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)