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relief pitcher

baseball
Also known as: reliever

Quick Summary

A relief pitcher is a baseball player who takes over for another pitcher during a game. In baseball, a team of nine players alternates between fielding and batting. The pitcher stands on a mound in the center of the diamond and throws the ball to the batter at home plate.12

While starting pitchers typically pitch every four or five days, relief pitchers form the bullpen squad. They warm up when the starting pitcher shows signs of weakening. Since the 1950s, relief pitching has become more specialized, with "closers" often used in the late innings to secure a team's lead and win.2

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