relief pitcher

NOUN

pitcher who takes place of starter

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bullpen reliever stopper

WEAK

closer fireman inner reliever long reliever middle reliever short reliever

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

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

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

"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)