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

The Brewers started closing relief pitcher Trevor Megill after the Cubs became the first team in MLB history to hit homers in the first inning of the first four games of a playoff series.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 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

"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)