Andriese's changeup a boon to D-backs' 'pen

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.

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.

"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."