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.

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

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

Occasionally Joe went in as relief pitcher, when the game was safe in the "ice box," but the chance he wanted was to pitch against the New Yorks at St. Louis.

From Baseball Joe in the Big League or, A Young Pitcher's Hardest Struggles by Chadwick, Lester