Chris Perez tries out new changeup

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians closer Chris Perez took his new toy out for a test drive during his Cactus League debut.

Perez has been fine-tuning a changeup that he plans on adding to his pitch arsenal this season. In his one-inning appearance against the Reds on Sunday, the right-hander threw mostly fastballs, but mixed in his new offspeed offering.

"I started working on it and playing catch with it last year," Perez said earlier this spring. "I threw it in a couple games towards the end, but it's something I'm working on. It gives hitters another look."

Perez, who posted a 1.71 ERA and chalked up 23 saves for Cleveland last year, also throws a slider, though he did not use any in his spring debut against Cincinnati. Perez said that he used a three-finger grip for his changeup, which breaks straight down when it is working properly.

"Some days it tails in," Perez said. "It changes day to day until I master it."



(mlb.com)