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

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

U.S. relief pitcher Griffin Jax, a captain in the Air Force Reserve, missed much of two minor league seasons while on active duty at Cape Canaveral.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 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 San Diego Padres picked a former relief pitcher who began on the other side of the hiring process as a member of the front office, only to become a candidate for the job himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 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