Can You Name These Popular MLB Pitchers From a Photo of Them at Bat?

By: J.P. Naomi
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name These Popular MLB Pitchers From a Photo of Them at Bat?
Image: Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III

About This Quiz

Calling all Major League Baseball fans! Grab your glove and pack up the Cracker Jacks, we're taking you out to the ball game! From the mound to the plate, it's time to see just how well you know these popular MLB pitchers.

How exactly do you make a name for yourself and become a popular MLB pitcher? You win games, of course! You pull through with the clutch moves at the most intense moments! With all eyes on you in a stadium filled with passionate fans hootin' and hollerin', heckling and more, we want to know if you can shine through it all! Because if so, you might just make this list! From the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants, did you know that each team in the league has at least 11 pitchers? Whether they are a starter like Dallas Keuchel, a relief pitcher like Mariano Rivera or a closer like Matt Barnes, popular MLB pitchers have one thing in common - they help win games! And as any fan knows, when your team wins games, the World Series trophy comes into sight - what could be better than that!?

The time has come to show your skills and only a true fan can ace this quiz. Think you can hit this one out of the park?!

Mike Leake
MLB Network via YouTube
He made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010. Who is this pitcher at bat?
Mike Leake
Cole Hamels
Noah Syndergaard
Max Scherzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mike Leake played college baseball at Arizona State University before the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft. While his pitching record currently stands at 99-93, he is also regarded as one of the league's strongest pitchers at bat.

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Matt Harvey
Wiki Commons by Hayden Schiff
He was the 2015 NL Comeback Player of the Year. Do you recognize this pitcher?
Max Scherzer
Matt Harvey
Masahiro Tanaka
Aroldis Chapman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matt Harvey, a native of Connecticut, was drafted by the New York Mets in 2007. He made his debut with the team in 2012 and helped lead them to the World Series in 2015. (They were defeated by the Kansas City Royals though!)

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Zack Wheeler
MLB via YouTube
Do you know this pitcher who was the sixth overall pick of the 2009 MLB Draft?
Aroldis Chapman
Adam Wainwright
Félix Hernández
Zack Wheeler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zachary Harrison Wheeler was selected by the San Francisco Giants in 2009, but he made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2013. A surprising fun fact about Wheeler is that he is a right-handed pitcher, but he bats left.

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Shohei Ohtani
MLB via YouTube
He made his professional debut in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, but he now pitches for the Los Angeles Angels. Who is he?
Félix Hernández
Shohei Ohtani
Aroldis Chapman
Madison Bumgarner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shohei Ohtani is a native of Japan where he once recorded a 99 mph fastball as a high-school pitcher. Today he is a right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels and occasionally serves as a designated hitter and outfielder. He has hit 31 home runs thus far in his MLB career.

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Jon Lester
MLB via YouTube
He was a Red Sox pitcher from 2006 - 2014. Can you name him?
Madison Bumgarner
Jon Lester
Jake Arrieta
Stephen Strasburg
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jon Lester is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. He is a five-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion - winning with the Red Sox in 2007 and 2013, and the Chicago Cubs in 2016.

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David Price
Jacob Chandler via YouTube
They thought he had stage fright, but he proved them wrong. Who is this 2018 AL Comeback Player of the Year?
Stephen Strasburg
Zack Greinke
David Price
Jake Arrieta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Price has been an MLB starting pitcher since 2008. Previously criticized for waning under pressure, he proved critics wrong in 2018 as he helped lead the Boston Red Sox to their fourth title in 15 years!

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Wade Davis
MLB via YouTube
He was the 2018 NL saves leader. Who is the pitcher seen here?
Wade Davis
Jake Arrieta
Jordan Zimmermann
Craig Kimbrel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wade Davis made his debut in 2009 and has since pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. He is a three-time All-Star, a 2015 World Series champion, and has recorded 122 saves in his career.

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Bartolo Colón
MLB via YouTube
He was once the oldest active MLB player. What pitcher is seen here?
Craig Kimbrel
Bartolo Colón
Sonny Gray
Jordan Zimmermann
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bartolo Colón began his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1997. Since then, he has pitched for 11 different teams. At 45 years old, he was once the oldest active player in Major League Baseball. And oh, he goes by the nickname "Big Sexy."

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Corey Kluber
MLB via YouTube
A two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, which starting pitcher is seen in this photo?
Cole Hamels
Yu Darvish
Corey Kluber
Gio Gonzalez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corey Kluber went unselected in the 2004 MLB draft, but by 2007, he was signed by the San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut in 2011 for the Cleveland Indians and has been one of their starting pitchers ever since.

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Justin Verlander
MLB via YouTube
He pitched 13 seasons for the Tigers from 2005 - 2017. Who is this starter?
Justin Verlander
Gio Gonzalez
Clayton Kershaw
Jacob deGrom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Justin Verlander is quite the decorated pitcher. He is a seven-time All-Star, two-time MLB wins leader, and five-time AL strikeout leader. He has also won the World Series, AL MVP, AL Cy Young, AL Rookie of the Year and pitched two no-hitters in his career!

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Chris Sale
MLB via YouTube
A 2018 World Series starting pitcher, who is seen here?
Jacob deGrom
Justin Verlander
Chris Sale
Clay Buchholz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chris Sale was the Red Sox's starting pitcher in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series between the Red Sox and the Dodgers. He was also the closer in Game 5. Sale currently holds two MLB records: fewest innings pitched to reach 1,500 strikeouts and strikeout-to-walk ratio career leader.

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Johnny Cueto
MLB via YouTube
He pitched for the Kansas City Royals in the 2015 World Series. Can you name this player?
Clay Buchholz
Dallas Keuchel
Zack Greinke
Johnny Cueto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Johnny Cueto was born in the Dominican Republic in 1986. He made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008 and one his first World Series with the Kansas City Royals in 2015. He was the NL strikeout leader in 2014.

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James Shields
MLB via YouTube
He was drafted in the 16th round of the 2000 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Who is this pitcher?
Zack Greinke
Madison Bumgarner
James Shields
Noah Syndergaard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After six years in the minors, James Shields made his MLB debut in 2006 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Since then, he has played with the Royals, Padres and White Sox, recording 2,234 strikeouts.

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Clayton Kershaw
MLB via YouTube
A three-time NL MVP, who is this starting pitcher?
Clayton Kershaw
Noah Syndergaard
James Shields
Gerrit Cole
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clayton Kershaw has pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. And he's fit to stay! He signed a franchise record seven-year contract with the Dodgers in 2013 worth $215 million.

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Jacob Degrom
MLB via YouTube
He was a college shortstop turned professional pitcher. Can you name him?
Gerrit Cole
Jacob deGrom
Cole Hamels
Carlos Martinez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jacob deGrom holds two MLB records. He has had 26 consecutive starts allowing three runs or fewer, and he is tied for the most consecutive strikeouts (8) to start a game. He was also the 2018 NL Cy Young winner and MLB ERA leader.

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Gerrit Cole
MLB via YouTube
He has pitched for the Pirates and the Astros. Do you know who this is?
Carlos Martinez
Gerrit Cole
Clayton Kershaw
Dallas Keuchel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since making his MLB debut in 2013, Gerrit Cole has recorded 74 wins and 47 losses, 1,010 strikeouts and an earned run average of 3.37. Did you know he struck out the first batter he pitched to in the MLB?

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Adam Wainwright
MLB via YouTube
He was a closer for the 2006 NLCS and World Series. Which pitcher is seen in this photo?
Dallas Keuchel
Max Scherzer
Adam Wainwright
Michael Wacha
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Adam Wainwright has played with the St. Louis Cardinals sine 2005. He began as a relief pitcher, but he soon became a clutch closer, helping the Cardinals to win the 2006 World Series. He has been a starting pitcher ever since.

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Gio Gonzalez
MLB via YouTube
He was the NL wins leader in 2012. Do you recognize this pitcher?
Gio Gonzalez
Michael Wacha
Matt Harvey
Chris Archer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gio Gonzalez was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft. After his success in the minors, he was called up for his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2008. He has since struck out 1,746 batters.

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Carlos Martinez
MLB via YouTube
His nickname s "Tsunami." Who is this pitcher?
Chris Archer
Carlos Martinez
Shelby Miller
David Price
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carlos Martinez is a right-handed pitcher who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010. Since making his MLB debut in 2013, he has recorded 54 wins and 38 losses, 800 strikeouts and an earned run average of 3.37.

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Michael Lorenzen
Fox Sports via YouTube
A former California State University pitcher, which of the following has been with the Cincinnati Reds since 2015?
David Price
Corey Kluber
Michael Lorenzen
Jacob deGrom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cincinnati Reds selected Michael Lorenzen in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. But that wasn't the first time he was drafted. He had been chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 but opted to enroll in California State University instead.

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Cole Hamels
MLB via YouTube
He was the 17th overall pick of the 2002 MLB draft. Can you name this pitcher?
Jacob deGrom
Shelby Miller
Adam Wainwright
Cole Hamels
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cole Hamels has played with the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers and now with the Chicago Cubs. He not only won the World Series with the Phillies in 2008, but he was also named the series MVP.

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Yu Darvish
MLB via YouTube
A native of Osaka, Japan, who is this right-handed pitcher?
Yu Darvish
Adam Wainwright
Corey Kluber
Justin Verlander
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before joining the Texas Rangers in 2012, Yu Darvish was an All-Star pitcher in Japan. His initial contract with the Rangers was for six years and $60 million. The very next year, he ended the season as the AL strikeout leader.

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Sonny Gray
MLB via YouTube
He made his MLB debut on July 10, 2013. Do you recognize this pitcher?
Justin Verlander
Clay Buchholz
Sonny Gray
Bartolo Colón
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sonny Gray was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his debut just two years later. In 2015, he was made the All-Star team. Gray was recently traded to the Cincinnati Reds.

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Craig Kimbrel
MLB via YouTube
Known for his triple-digit fastball and interesting pre-pitch stance, who is this pitcher?
Craig Kimbrel
Bartolo Colón
Jacob deGrom
Aroldis Chapman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Craig Kimbrel is a seven-time All-Star and the youngest player in MLB history to record 300 saves. He has played with the Braves, Padres and Red Sox with whom he won the World Series in 2018.

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Patrick Corbin
MLB via YouTube
He has pitched for the Diamondbacks and now the Nationals. Who is this pitcher?
Aroldis Chapman
Masahiro Tanaka
Patrick Corbin
Sonny Gray
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patrick Corbin is a two-time All-Star with a win-loss record of 61-59. Since making his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, he has missed just one season after suffering an ulnar collateral ligament injury. He began playing with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and is a starting pitcher.

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Tyler Chatwood
Chicago Cubs via YouTube
His latest MLB contract was for three years and $38 million with the Chicago Cubs. Do you recognize him?
Tyler Chatwood
Sonny Gray
Cole Hamels
Masahiro Tanaka
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tyler Chatwood began his MLB pitching career in 2011 with the Los Angeles Angels. Since then, he has pitched for the Colorado Rockies and now the Chicago Cubs. He has an earned run average of 4.40 and 548 strikeouts on record.

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Max Scherzer
MLB via YouTube
A three-time Cy Young recipient, who is this veteran pitcher?
Masahiro Tanaka
Gio Gonzalez
James Shields
Max Scherzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Max Scherzer has pitched for the Diamondbacks, Tigers and now the Nationals. He is a six-time All-Star, four-time wins leader, three-time NL strikeout leader and has thrown two no-hitters thus far in his career.

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Zack Greinke
MLB via YouTube
He made his debut in 2004 at just 20 years old. Do you know this pitcher?
Zack Greinke
James Shields
Johnny Cueto
Gio Gonzalez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Right-handed Zack Greinke is a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time MLB ERA leader. He has pitched for the Royals, Brewers, Angels, Dodgers and is currently with the Diamondbacks.

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Steven Strasburg
MLB via YouTube
The No.1 pick of the 2009 MLB draft, who is seen in this photo?
Pedro Martinez
Stephen Strasburg
Shelby Miller
David Price
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stephen Strasburg was the first overall pick of the 2009 draft. He has pitched for the Washington Nationals ever since. His record includes 1,444 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.14 and 94 wins.

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Noah Syndergaard
MLB via YouTube
He was the opening day starting pitcher in 2017 and 2018. Who is this pitcher?
David Price
Jacob deGrom
Noah Syndergaard
Chris Sale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Noah Syndergaard was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2010 draft but made his debut with the New York Mets. He is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and can throw a fastball up to 101 miles per hour.

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Jake Arrieta
MLB via YouTube
He has pitched two no-hitters in his career. Can you name this pitcher?
Chris Sale
Chris Archer
David Price
Jake Arrieta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jake Arrieta pitched and won Games 2 and 6 of the 2016 World Series, helping lead the Chicago Cubs to their first title after 108 years. Two years later, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies where he plays today.

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Masahiro Tanaka
MLB via YouTube
He is a former player in the Japanese professional baseball league. Do you recognize this Yankee pitcher?
David Price
Masahiro Tanaka
Adam Wainwright
Dallas Keuchel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Masahiro Tanaka signed a seven-year contract with the Yankees worth $155 million. Since 2014, he has recorded 64 wins, 34 losses, 798 strikeouts and an earned run average of 3.59.

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Madison Bumgarner
MLB via YouTube
He is 6 feet, 5 inches tall and has won three World Series championships. Who is he?
Dallas Keuchel
Jon Lester
Justin Verlander
Madison Bumgarner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Madison Bumgarner's nickname is MadBum. He has pitched for the San Francisco Giants since 2009 and won the World Series with the team in 2010, 2012 and 2014. He was named World Series MVP in 2014.

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Aroldis Chapman
MLB via YouTube
A native of Cuba, who is this left-handed pitcher?
Aroldis Chapman
Justin Verlander
James Shields
Clayton Kershaw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz is nicknamed the "Cuban Flame Thrower." He holds the MLB records for the fastest pitch thrown in MLB history at 105.1 miles per hour, as well as the fastest MLB pitcher to reach 500 strikeouts.

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Felix Hernandez
Shea Yeutsy via YouTube
He is referred to as a "King." Who is this Venezuelan pitcher?
Clayton Kershaw
Félix Hernández
Craig Kimbrel
Max Scherzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Félix Hernández's nickname is King Félix. He made his MLB debut in 2005 with the Seattle Mariners and continues to play with them today. Hernández is a six-time All-Star and pitched a perfect game on August 15, 2012.

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Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III