Every morning, we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the Third Quarter Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList, and we’ll GIF it up and give you a shoutout here in the article.
Tyler Beede’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/bothweearmyant
Let’s be clear: Tyler Beede is not good. In fact, he’s pretty awful overall. That said, this gorgeous changeup was far too crazy to pass up. He predictably pitched poorly on Friday, allowing 5 ER over 5 IP, although he did strike out a season-high seven batters. I wouldn’t expect to see a whole lot of Beede on these wrap-ups in the future, but we can definitely enjoy it while it lasts.
Amir Garrett’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/backspeedyincatern
When he’s not too busy punching opponents, Amir Garrett does a pretty darn good job punching out opponents. He owns a 13.1 K/9 on the year, with a sparkling 2.62 ERA. After a pair of mediocre years for the Reds, Garrett appears to have finally come into his own, and will be a big part of the Reds’ attempt at a playoff run.
Stephen Strasburg’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/dangerousnaivebellsnake
Wow. Simply, wow. Stephen Strasburg’s 3.72 ERA and 10.7 K/9 are great and all, but this entry speaks for itself. Pitches like this one right here are why Strasburg makes the big bucks. Watch this one a few dozen more times, I know you want to.
Trevor Bauer’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/pointlesslegalbrocketdeer
Trevor Bauer’s second start as a Red went much better than his first, as he cruised to 11 K’sand just three hits allowed over 7 IP. The standoffish Bauer wore out his welcome in Cleveland, but a Reds team looking to make a playoff run this year was more than happy to take him off the Indians’ hands. It’s been an up and down season for Bauer, but he owns a 3.09 ERA in a pair of starts for Cincy.
Shane Bieber’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/essentialspryfishingcat
A former teammate of Bauer, Shane Bieber was equally dominant on Friday. He also struck out 11 over 7 IP, allowing just 2 ER and lowering his ERA on the year to 3.28. Bieber has silenced all his doubters in a breakout 2019 campaign, showing that his strong rookie effort in 2018 was no fluke.
Hector Neris’ Splitter
https://gfycat.com/watchfuljitteryamericanbobtail
Hector Neris has been plagued by inconsistency most of his career but is having a solid year in 2019 with the Phillies. He’s posted a 12.8 K/9, with a respectable 3.51 ERA, all while saving 20 games for the underwhelming Phillies. The 30-year-old is a free agent after this season, and shouldn’t have too much of an issue securing a nice payday on the open market.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the Third Quarter Contest.
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