relief pitcher

noun

, Baseball.

1. a pitcher brought into a game to replace another pitcher, often in a critical situation.
2. a pitcher regularly so used, as opposed to one who regularly starts games.

relief pitcher

noun

1. baseball a pitcher who replaces a side's main pitcher during a game Also calledreliever

Word History and Origins

Origin of relief pitcher¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Teams need relief pitchers almost every game to pitch the last two or three innings.

From Washington Post

He had not expected to figure in the Series, except perhaps as a relief pitcher.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bullpen
• reliever
• stopper