changeup

American  

[cheynj-uhp] / ˈtʃeɪndʒˌʌp /

Or change-up

noun

Baseball.

1. a pitch that follows one or more fastballs, delivered with the same motion as for a fastball but with less speed, intentionally disrupting the batter’s timing.

   He knows how to use his changeup to keep hitters off balance.

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Etymology

Origin of changeup

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

“He came with two really good fastballs but then he hung a changeup and I knew I got it,” Grindlinger said of his 41st hit and second homer this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Then he got Harper to fly out on a changeup, pumping a fist into his mitt as he skipped off the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

Against his final batter, Kemp, Snell fell behind, missing low with a changeup before pulling a fastball wide.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

They went with the big right-hander from the Big West, with a fastball and a changeup that might already be ready for Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2025

I completely miss one of Cala’s pitches because I mix up the fastball and changeup signals...which gives the Red Devil on third base the perfect opportunity to steal home.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone