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.

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 named longtime major league relief pitcher Craig Stammen their new manager on Thursday, opting to give him a first managerial post.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

I feel badly for relief pitcher Orion Kerkering.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

Anybody who qualifies as a traditional relief pitcher faced exactly one batter, which was actually one more than they had hoped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 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