Every week we review the nastiest pitches from the previous week in glorious HD GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the First Half. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @ThePitcherList and we’ll GIF it up + give you a shoutout here in the article.
Robert Gsellman’s Fastball – This wasn’t the start we expected from Gsellman, but we can’t overlook the fact he cruised through 10 batters straight in the middle of his outing. One look at this beautiful front-door heater to Derek Dietrich will make you understand the potential this kid has. (Thanks to Redditor serfbufo for the tip!)
Jerry Blevins‘ Curveball – Thursday night featured a grueling game between the Marlins and Mets, aided by Blevins putting out a major fire in the seventh inning. He sealed the frame with this slow 69mph Curveball that Ichiro Suzuki couldn’t handle. (Thanks to Redditors the_furry_stoner and Ryuuken1789 for the tip!)
Danny Salazar’s Fastball – Striking out 11 on the night, Salazar was still saddled with the loss. Check out this deadly full count Two-Seamer to Omar Narvaez. It starts just in enough off that place for Narvaez to give up on it and then cuts back just enough to catch the very inside corner.
Hunter Strickland’s Curveball – Strickland is a good option in holds fantasy leagues with his big stuff and proven track record in the volatile reliever world. This pitch misses the spot a bit, but anytime you can get Paul Goldschmidt to flinch even a little you’ve done something right. (Thanks to @brorzor for the tip!)
Jharel Cotton’s Changeup – Cotton looked pretty all outing long, spinning 90mph Cutters and slinging mid 90s heat as well. The star of the show was his elite Changeup, though, and Cotton showcased it against Brandon Moss in the fifth inning that left us all starstruck. (Thanks to Redditor CoryGM for the tip!)
Aaron Nola’s Fastball – Many fantasy owners expect Nola to take a step forward in 2017 and establish himself as a top of the rotation starter. Nola uses his sharp command and a varied pitch mix to strike out more batters than many expected he would as a draft prospect. He showcases that pinpoint command combined with plenty of run on his Two-Seam Fastball to strike out Anthony Rendon.
Trevor Rosenthal’s Fastball + Slider – Rosenthal looked good in his return from the DL last night, especially in this pitch sequence to Anthony Rendon. He first brings 100mph ched to the table with a high fastball and then freezes him with a Slider down and away. I think we all would have reacted like Rendon. (Thanks to Redditor efitz11 for the tip!)
Ricky Nolasco’s Curveball – Nolasco has had many ups and downs over his career as a vagabond back of the rotation starter. Now in Anaheim, Nolasco has always been able to miss bits, and with this pitch he spins a nice curveball that makes Nelson Cruz flinch more than a little. (Thanks to @pbhart20 for the tip).
GIF Of The Week
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Half contest.
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