relief pitcher
Americannoun
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a pitcher brought into a game to replace another pitcher, often in a critical situation.
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a pitcher regularly so used, as opposed to one who regularly starts games.
noun
Etymology
Origin of relief pitcher
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On Tuesday, the Mets lost when combustible relief pitcher Devin Williams fell apart again, allowing Minnesota a go-ahead run and walking in a fifth run for kicks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
One month into the high school baseball season, it’s clear that junior third baseman and relief pitcher Troy Randall of Corona Santiago is headed to standout status.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
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
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
"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)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
