relief pitcher

noun

: a baseball pitcher who takes over for another during a game

Examples of relief pitcher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As long as a powerful bullpen is still the most effective way to preserve a lead and help secure a win, managers are going to keep turning to their relief pitchers. Jared Wyllys, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Kim Klement Neitzel, USA TODAY Sports Feb. 14: Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader looks on during a spring training practice at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 This deal is the fifth transaction the Marlins have made in the past week following trades to acquire utility player Nick Gordon, infielder Jonah Bride and pitcher Darren McCaughan as well as claiming relief pitcher Declan Cronin off waivers. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024 As a result, premium relief pitchers are commanding more in free agency — consider Josh Hader, who signed with the Astros for five years, $95 million dollars — but one of the costs is the de-emphasis on starters. Jared Wyllys, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Jim Johnson An Oriole from 2006 to 2013, relief pitcher Jim Johnson reached 50 saves in 2012 and 2013 to lead the American League both years. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 Key free-agent departures The Rangers retained most of the key players from their title run, but did lose several key pieces including relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman who signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2024 Here's a look at Hader's impressive career: Josh Hader became unstoppable closer for the Brewers Hader established himself as a top-flight relief pitcher with the Brewers. Journal Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2024 With the exception of backup outfielder Aaron Hicks on a minimum contract, all of their offseason acquisitions have been relief pitchers. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relief pitcher.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relief pitcher was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near relief pitcher

Cite this Entry

“Relief pitcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relief%20pitcher. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relief pitcher

noun
: a baseball pitcher who takes over for another during a game

More from Merriam-Webster on relief pitcher

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