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.

---

relief pitcher British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of relief pitcher

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

relief pitcher

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

It features relief pitcher Roki Sasaki and Smith embracing after the Dodgers clinched the National League pennant, with the slogan “On the Double.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 24, 2025

Crawford led off the bottom of the 15th inning with a single before Detroit relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch.

From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2025

I feel badly for relief pitcher Orion Kerkering.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 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