Dodgers Reliever Set Record With Slowest Pitch
Seth Halvorsen hit a batter with a 32.6 mph pitch during Saturday's Los Angeles victory.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Seth Halvorsen recorded the slowest hit-by-pitch in MLB since 2008 on Saturday. The errant throw struck San Francisco Giants batter Drew Gilbert at just 32.6 mph.
Why it matters
The pitch was a significant departure from the norm for Halvorsen, whose fastball typically averages 98.9 mph. The bizarre delivery occurred when the pitcher's mechanics faltered during the ninth inning.
The 32.6 mph pitch surpassed the previous record of 34.2 mph set by Jose Trevino on May 2. Halvorsen usually relies on a fastball that clocks in at an average velocity of 98.9 mph.
The players
Seth Halvorsen
He is a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers known for throwing high-velocity fastballs.
Drew Gilbert
He is a professional baseball player who was the batter struck by the pitch.
Los Angeles Dodgers
They are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles that defeated the San Francisco Giants 10-4.
San Francisco Giants
They are a Major League Baseball team that played against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
The details
The pitch bounced before reaching the plate after Halvorsen experienced a mechanical failure, likely caused by his cleat catching the mound during his delivery. The Los Angeles Dodgers went on to secure a 10-4 win over the San Francisco Giants.
Timeline
May 2: Jose Trevino set the previous record for the slowest hit-by-pitch.
Saturday: Seth Halvorsen hit Drew Gilbert with the record-breaking pitch.
Sunday: The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Seth Halvorsen to Triple-A.
Season Trajectory
This unusual incident marks a statistical outlier in a season where pitch velocity is highly scrutinized. The subsequent roster move following this game impacts the Dodgers bullpen depth during their playoff push.
The immediate consequence of this event was the Dodgers optioning Halvorsen to Triple-A on Sunday. Fantasy managers should note the change in the team's available relief depth for upcoming games.
The takeaway
This event serves as a reminder that even high-velocity professional pitchers can suffer from unexpected mechanical slips during high-pressure situations. Fans should recognize that such anomalies are often followed by immediate roster adjustments to maintain team performance.
Further reading
For more on the latest roster moves and team updates, visit Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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