Country boy Steven Upchurch and his mind-bending change-up

TriCities.com:

As a second-year player with the Bristol White Sox in the short-season Appalachian League, Upchurch is hoping to earn a promotion to the Kannapolis Intimidators in the Low Class A South Atlantic League. With a solid five-inning performance Thursday against the Burlington Royals, Upchurch moved another step closer to his goal. Relying on a mind-bending change-up, the 6-foot-5 right-hander allowed just five hits and struck out four in a 2-0 loss to the Royals.

“The only thing that’s keeping me down in rookie ball is commanding the fastball and hitting my spots,” Upchurch said. “That’s what I had to show my coaches today. I can pretty much get anybody out with my changeup, and my slider is looking good.” …