Arlington, Texas — The Humble Changeup Steals the Show at World Series Game 2
The changeup is an underestimated pitch, often overshadowed by its flashier counterparts. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected that shines brightest. Merrill Kelly, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starter, proved to be a fervent advocate for the changeup as he stifled the Texas Rangers in a dazzling performance during World Series Game 2.
Kelly, a 35-year-old right-hander, worked his way up through the minor leagues and even played in Korea before catching the attention of scouts and making his MLB debut at the age of 30. Over five MLB seasons, he has continuously improved and delivered his best performance this year with a 3.29 ERA. Now, in his first postseason run, he has made a name for himself with an impressive World Series performance as the Diamondbacks’ No. 2 starter.
Despite lacking the qualities typically associated with top-of-the-rotation pitchers, Kelly has his own unique approach. “I make a living on making people make decisions,” he stated. In Game 2, Kelly kept the Rangers guessing with a repertoire of six pitches—four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, changeup, slider, and curveball—throwing each of them strategically to keep the batters on their toes.
Surprisingly, the changeup was Kelly’s most used pitch in the game. Although it’s an unconventional choice, his changeup has been remarkably effective with a low batting average against and zero home runs allowed in the regular season. Against the Rangers, the pitch was particularly potent, resulting in swings and misses, fouls, and weak contact. The Rangers struggled to anticipate which pitch Kelly would throw next, adding an element of uncertainty to every at-bat.
Manager Torey Lovullo praised Kelly’s performance, noting that his changeup had a late drop that made it resemble a slider. Kelly forced the Rangers’ lineup to constantly adjust and abandon any preconceived plans they may have had. Even dangerous left-handed batter Corey Seager, who typically sees four-seam fastballs, faced a different mix of pitches from Kelly.
Throughout the game, Kelly proved himself to be a pitcher capable of making critical decisions. His ability to target the edges of the strike zone compelled batters to swing at pitches they normally wouldn’t. By alternating directions and speeds, he kept the Rangers off balance and maximized his effectiveness.
Kelly’s dominant performance allowed the Diamondbacks to secure a significant lead, relieving the pressure on their bullpen. Instead of relying on high-leverage arms, Lovullo could preserve them for future games. By utilizing his wide range of pitches and defying the traditional penalty of facing the lineup for the third time, Kelly showcased the power of adaptability and saved his team from potential pitfalls. As the Diamondbacks head back to Arizona with the series tied, they owe their success to the versatility and perplexity of the changeup.
