Changeup

The changeup is a staple off-speed pitch often used in a pitcher's arsenal, usually thrown to look like a fastball, but arriving much more slowly to the plate.

If thrown correctly, the changeup will confuse the batter because the human eye cannot discern that the ball is coming significantly slower until it is around 30 feet (9.1 m) from the plate.

The changeup is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball, but at a lower speed due to the pitcher holding the ball in a special grip.

In addition to the unexpectedly slow velocity, the changeup can also [sic] possess a significant amount of movement, which can bewilder the batter even further.

[citation needed] One of the most famous changeup throwers of the last 30 years, Atlanta Braves southpaw Tom Glavine utilized a two-seam changeup as his number one pitch on the way to winning two Cy Young Awards, a World Series MVP, and 305 wins in a celebrated Hall of Fame career.

A 2013 article published by Sports Illustrated noted that star starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Félix Hernández, Stephen Strasburg, David Price, and Max Scherzer revolutionized the pitch and used it abundantly in their arsenal.

[7] In addition to its effectiveness on the field, according to Fox Sports changeups may also reduce the number of injuries suffered by a pitcher.