relief pitcher

American  

noun

Baseball.

1. a pitcher brought into a game to replace another pitcher, often in a critical situation.

2. a pitcher regularly so used, as opposed to one who regularly starts games.

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relief pitcher British  

noun

1. Also called: reliever.  baseball a pitcher who replaces a side's main pitcher during a game

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Etymology

Origin of relief pitcher

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Or, if that metaphor doesn’t appeal to you, how about a late-inning relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen?

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2026

Díaz, 31, was the consensus best relief pitcher in this year’s free-agent class.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

The Brewers started closing relief pitcher Trevor Megill after the Cubs became the first team in MLB history to hit homers in the first inning of the first four games of a playoff series.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

Pogacar is loose, more like a free-spirited relief pitcher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

"Do you want to call for a relief pitcher, Prescott?"

From The High School Pitcher Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

Related Words

• bullpen
• reliever
• stopper