We’ve grown so accustomed over the past decade to seeing big-league pitchers consistently throwing around 100 mph. It seems like most teams have a bullpen full guys who can throw 96, 97, 98 mph. So, it’s hardly worth getting carried away about velocity.
But for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May, it’s not just his velocity that has wowed MLB fans (and players) this season: It’s his ability to make baseballs seemingly violate the laws of physics.
Earlier in the season, May struck out Padres slugger Manny Machado with a gravity-defying 99 mph two-seamer. Fast forward to Wednesday, and May was back to picking on the Padres’ talented lineup with a ridiculous array of pitches.
Just look at what this 98 mph fastball did to Fernando Tatis Jr. It brought Tatis to his knees.
Dustin May tying Fernando Tatis Jr in knots pic.twitter.com/r5t8ItGp9s
— CJ Fogler (@cjzer0) September 16, 2020
There aren’t too many pitchers out there who can make Tatis look silly at the plate, but the pitches that May threw in that at-bat were just unfair.
Dustin May, 98mph Fastball (Swing/Miss/Bend the Knee) and 87mph Curveball (Swinging K), Individual Pitches + Overlay.
Good luck. pic.twitter.com/jsBnvkg3vK
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 16, 2020
Like, how is anyone supposed to hit that? It doesn’t seem possible.
May also came through with a 100 mph two-seamer that broke around 18 inches.
Dustin May, 100mph Two Seamer Movement.
😳 pic.twitter.com/3dI8Lga8UV
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 16, 2020
I can only imagine what that pitch looks like from a hitter’s perspective. Baseballs shouldn’t be able to move like that.
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