It’s the first week of baseball since October, and we’re looking back at everything that went down. Every Friday we’ll review the top pitching GIFs of the week, featuring the best heaters and breaking pitches from all around the league. So sit back, relax, and let’s celebrate the return of baseball.
All GIFs courtesy of PitcherList.com, a terrific site for any baseball fan and a great Twitter follow.
Adam Wainwright took the hill on opening night and flashed his elite stuff, racking up 6 Ks over 6 IP with impeccable command. He gave Mets fans PTSD when he struck out Dexter Fowler with his signature Curveball. Classic Waino.
Sometimes you just needed something new to freshen things up. Henderson Alvarez could have thrown his 90s Two-Seamer or 85 MPh Changeup, but shocked us all with a 53 MPH Eephus to Nick Markakis in a 0-1 count. Best part about it? It worked.
Craig Kimbrel was shipped off to San Diego on the eve of Opening Day in a trade that shocked us all. During his west coast debut, he made the entire Padre staff giddy as they watched him dice up Dodger hitters and striking out the side. His best offering was this deadly Curveball to Andre Either.
With Alex Cobb on the DL, Jake Odorizzi currently has the best Split-Fingered pitch in town with his Changeup. Marvel as the ball rides out of the strike zone and gets the K.
Shane Greene quietly had 14 solid starts for the Yankees last season, and impressed in his debut on Thursday with 5 strikeouts over 8.0 IP. He started strong, punching out his first two batters, including Brian Dozier on this filthy Slider.
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