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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dodgers and relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol have reached agreement on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026 Shortly before last year's World Series, the relief pitcher stepped away from the team and did not return to pitch in any games in the seven-game series. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 Jan. 2026 The team also intends to sign a relief pitcher. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025 The San Francisco Giants are interested in signing former Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech as their closer for 2026, per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. Aaron Coloma, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relief pitcher

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Relief pitcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relief%20pitcher. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

relief pitcher

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

More from Merriam-Webster on relief pitcher

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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