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.
Zac Gallen’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/harmonioussillybooby
Making his first start since being inexplicably traded away by the Marlins, Zac Gallen immediately showed the Marlins that they done messed up. He allowed just one hit over five innings of work, striking out six. The great start drops his season ERA to 2.40, making it even more incredible that the Marlins decided they no longer wanted the gifted rookie. The Marlins trading away young, talented pitchers is nothing new, but this one is a real head-scratcher.
Dustin May’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/illfatedexcitablebream
Following an incredibly mediocre debut on Aug. 2, Dustin May made his latest start a great one. The youngster struck out seven over 5.2 innings, allowing five hits. The Dodgers’ revolving door IL should ensure that May continues to get opportunities to pitch, and his results in the minors indicate that we should see some pretty great things from those opportunities.
Gerrit Cole’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/slowindeliblegrub
Gerrit Cole has been absolutely ridiculous in 2019, striking out nearly 13 per nine innings and owning a 2.87 ERA. It’s entirely possible the seven-year veteran finishes the season over 300 strikeouts, becoming just the 18th player to do so in a season. His start against the Rockies on Wednesday was great, allowing two earned runs over six innings, striking out 10. He’s making a strong case for the AL Cy Young Award.
Jordan Yamamoto’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/distantlightgreathornedowl
After a hot start to his career, Jordan Yamamoto has cooled off considerably over his past several starts. Still, his 4.17 ERA isn’t awful, and he’s striking out more than a batter per nine innings. The Marlins’ pitching has been a surprising bright spot for them in the midst of their awful season, and Yamamoto has been a big reason for that. Hopefully he can turn things around a bit from his 14 earned runs allowed in his past three starts.
Max Fried’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/dappertinykillifish
Max Fried has quietly been a solid presence in the Braves rotation this season, owning a 12-4 record with a 4.11 ERA. He struck out 10 Twins over 5.1 innings on Wednesday, bumping his K/9 up past the nine mark. He should be a mainstay in the Braves rotation for several years, especially given more time to develop.
Emmanuel Clase’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/happygoluckyfirmamericansaddlebred
You’re totally fine if you haven’t heard of Emmanuel Clase; the 21 year-old appeared in just his second MLB game on Wednesday. He’s exploded onto the scene though, wowing the internet with his absolutely absurd 99-plus mph cut fastball that’s topped out at 101. Movement like this shouldn’t be possible when you’re throwing with triple-digit heat, yet there he goes. If Clase can continue his hot start, he should be a locked and loaded member of the Rangers bullpen who should certainly get save opportunities.
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.
[polldaddy poll=10381362]
How about some of Cole’s heaters from yesterday?