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

“Throw him the off-speed stuff! This chump couldn’t hit a changeup even if you told him it’s coming!”

From Literature

He’s impressed through his first two Cactus League starts, with just four baserunners and no runs over 2-2/3 innings, while working with a versatile five-pitch mix that features a four-seam fastball, a two-seam fastball, a “bullet slider,” a straight changeup and a 12-to-6 curveball.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Angels and Atlanta Braves right-hander Raisel Iglesias is potentially another, after amassing 96 saves with a 2.62 ERA over the last three years, thanks to a mid-90s mph fastball and swing-and-miss changeup that have kept him productive even at age 35.

From Los Angeles Times

His devastating changeup and elite velocity are fresh in the minds of many general managers, so expect multiple bidders for Williams’ services.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s pretty simple. The command with the fastball wasn’t great. Changeup, I couldn’t locate that either.”

From Los Angeles Times