changeup

Or change-up

[cheynj-uhp]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of changeup¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Seven came on 12 total swings against his changeup, a key offspeed pitch that showed no signs of rust even after his long layoff.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, for the first time in his six games as a pitcher this season, Ohtani not only got a hit, but clobbered a hanging changeup in a 2-and-1 count, launching his 35th home run of the season 441 feet to straightaway center.

From Los Angeles Times

Festa got ahead 1-and-2 in the count, before throwing a changeup that Smith fought off and missing wide with a slider.

From Los Angeles Times

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

McIlvaine said Bremner’s changeup gives him a go-to pitch, with a slider under development and a body that has yet to fill out.

From Los Angeles Times