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.

Over the last two offseasons, the Dodgers spent a combined $141 million on relief pitchers Edwin Díaz and Tanner Scott, both of whom are expected to make their first spring training appearances later this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, after not being able to come to terms with relief pitcher Alex Vesia by the deadline, the southpaw and the team came to an agreement a few weeks later, avoiding a hearing altogether.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, if that metaphor doesn’t appeal to you, how about a late-inning relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen?

From Salon

Díaz, 31, was the consensus best relief pitcher in this year’s free-agent class.

From Los Angeles Times

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