A sinker pitch is a type of fastball in baseball that has significant downward and horizontal movement, known for inducing ground balls). It is generally one of a pitchers fastest pitches, although it doesnt have quite the same velocity as a four-seam fastball. Sinkerball pitchers can often get called strikes and swinging strikes on the pitch). The sinker drops 6 to 9 inches more than a typical four-seam fastball, which causes batters to hit ground balls more often than other fastballs, mostly due to the tilted sidespin on the ball). The sinker is similar to the two-seam fastball, but a two-seamer tends to have more lateral movement than a sinker).

Pitchers can grip the baseball along the two seams and throw it similar to a fastball, or use a downward motion on their wrist when throwing it. The pitchers palm turns to the right at release for a right-handed pitcher, causing a sharper sink, but also has a greater risk of a wild pitch. This wrist movement is also called pronation).

Sinkerballers are adept at limiting home runs and are especially useful for pitchers who lack the raw velocity to overpower hitters. The movement and deception on the pitch, coupled with its speed, can often make up for that slight dip in velocity.

Notable sinkerballers include Matt Albers, Sandy Alcántara, Burke Badenhop, Ronald Belisario, Brad Bergesen, Zack Britton, Kevin Brown, Trevor Cahill, and Steve Cishek).