Andriese's changeup a boon to D-backs' 'pen
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CHICAGO -- There were at least two familiar faces for right-hander Matt Andriese to see when he walked into the D-backs' clubhouse for the first time on Thursday.
Andriese, who was acquired Wednesday from Tampa Bay for a pair of Minor Leaguers, played with Arizona outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and closer Brad Boxberger when they were all on the Rays.
Boxberger and Andriese, in fact, were roommates for a couple years during Spring Training.
"Pretty much, he's like an older brother to me," Andriese said. "Slightly older."
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said he plans to use Andriese much as he did Randall Delgado, who was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Andriese.
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In 27 games for the Rays this year, including four starts, Andriese had a 4.07 ERA. He gives Lovullo a right-hander who can go multiple innings, and one who is outstanding against left-handed hitters. Andriese has held lefties to a .174 mark this year, while righties are batting .285 against him.
"Lately, I've been using my curveball a little bit more, and I think that helps a lot against lefties," Andriese said. "I throw the changeup a lot, but throwing it in fastball counts it really helps, especially against lefties."
Souza described Andriese's change as a "cut changeup" because of its movement.
"People call it, sometimes, a split, but I kind of manipulate the cut and the run on it depending on who I'm facing, but usually I just try to make it go down," Andriese said of his changeup. "That's usually [when it's] most successful."
Andriese is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time after this season, and he will not become a free agent until after the 2021 season. He came up through the Minor Leagues as a starter, and the D-backs have not ruled out giving him a chance to start next season.
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"I'm pretty comfortable being in the bullpen now," Andriese said. "I still view myself as a starter, obviously, but looking forward to the opportunity to be in the bullpen and help this team win. I've kind of done a little bit of everything. I was always prepared for whatever they called me to do, so I think that's helped me become a pitcher that's ready for any type of situation."