Last updated: Mar 09, 2023
Baseball can be a very fatiguing sport, especially for pitchers, who spend the majority of a game throwing from the mound in an attempt to strike batters out or cause them to hit outs in other ways.Since baseball games often last for multiple hours, a starting pitcher can easily tire out. For this reason, most baseball teams have a number of relief pitchers who can quickly enter the game and take the starting pitcher’s place when he runs out of gas. Read on to learn all about the relief pitcher position, including its roles, types of relief pitchers, their equipment, history, and which players have distinguished themselves in the position.
Table of Contents
- Relief Pitcher
- Role and Responsibilities
- Types of Relief Pitchers
- Relief Pitcher Equipment
- Relief Pitcher History
- Relief Pitcher Statistics
- Relief Pitcher Skills and Techniques
- Hall of Fame Relief Pitchers
- Top MLB Relief Pitchers
- FAQ
Relief Pitcher
Usually sometime between the fifth and seventh innings, the starting pitcher will become tired, and/or his pitching will not be as solid as it was earlier in the game. In other scenarios, the pitcher's place in the lineup was replaced with a pinch hitter, and once replaced with a pinch hitter, a player is not allowed to re-enter the game. In situations where the manager feels the starting pitcher should or needs to be taken out of the game, he will replace him with a relief pitcher/reliever.
Role and Responsibilities
The role of a relief pitcher is the same as any other pitcher: to stop the other team from scoring runs.Relief pitchers usually only pitch one or two innings, except for cases when the team needs a long reliever.Since they pitch for short amounts of time, it’s especially important for relief pitchers to get batters out. Some pitchers even used to specialize in throwing to only one batter. However, as of 2020, pitchers have to pitch to at least three batters.
Types of Relief Pitchers
Relief pitchers tend to only pitch one or a few innings, and sometimes they do not even pitch for an entire inning.Relievers tend to have specialized skills, such as throwing very fast pitches or throwing a specific kind of pitch. They also do not have as much stamina as starters, since they do not typically throw nearly as many innings as starters. Therefore, relievers are often replaced when they get tired, or when another pitcher's special skill is needed. The main types of relief pitchers in baseball include:
- Left-Handed Specialists
- Right-Handed Specialists
- Middle Relief Pitchers
- Setup Pitchers
- Closers
- Long Relievers
- Openers
Left-Handed Specialists
Left-handed specialists, also called lefty specialists, are one type of relief pitcher. They are left-handed pitchers who specialize in throwing to left-handed batters or weak right-handed batters (often switch hitters who are naturally left-handed).
Since it is harder for batters to hit pitches thrown by a pitcher with the same dominant hand, lefty specialists are useful in putting these batters out.Lefty specialists often only three batters in specific situations where a left-handed batter must be put out.
Right-Handed Specialists
While not as common as left-handed specialists, some MLB managers do also have designated right-handed specialists.These types of relievers aren't as common due to the frequency in which MLB relief pitchers are right-handed, but some are able to stand out amongst the rest against right-handed hitters and justify the distinction.These pitchers are particularly effective against righties, however they may also struggle against lefties. Ideally, right-handed specialists would pitch at a point in the game where three or four right handed hitters were due up next.
Middle Relief Pitchers
Another type of reliever, middle relief pitchers (also sometimes referred to as “innings eaters”) most-commonly pitch during the fifth, sixth, or seventh innings of a game.They may also be brought in to pitch for longer periods of time if the starting pitcher tires out early in the game, or if the game goes into extra innings as a result of a tie at the end of the ninth inning.
Middle relievers may also sometimes be brought out during the eighth or ninth innings, particularly if the score of the game is not close.The main goal of a middle relief pitcher is to be able to pitch consistently well for a longer period so that both the starting pitcher and other, more specialized relievers, can rest and avoid excessive fatigue that may impact their unique skills.
Setup Pitchers
The setup pitcher is the relief pitcher who sets up, or pitches directly before the closer so he can successfully end the game.The setup pitcher is often the team's second-best relief pitcher, and he usually pitches during the eighth inning, ensuring that his team's lead is kept so the closer can finish the game off.Unlike the closer, the setup pitcher is commonly used in games that are tied or that the team is losing.
Closers
The closer is a special type of reliever who is specifically in charge of getting the final outs of the game.He usually only pitches one inning, the last inning, and only if his team is in the lead.This is to preserve his strength and energy; managers don't want their closers tiring themselves out on a game the team might lose, when it is better strategy to use the closer to solidify a probable win.
Long Relievers
Long relievers are relief pitchers that are typically used in scenarios in which their team is either winning by a fair few runs or losing by a lot.They are able to pitch multiple innings with ease and are often former starting pitchers.Long relievers play an essential role in a bullpen because they help their team save their other arms in games where the bullpen needs to be used for 4+ innings.While certainly not as glamorous as other relievers, long relievers are an essential part of every team’s bullpen. Long relievers can also be found making occasional spot starts when necessary.
Openers
The opposite of the closer, an opener is a type of relief pitcher who typically makes the first outs of the game, or is brought in to face off against the opposing team’s starting lineup.Contrary to what the order of pitchers would suggest, the opener is not the starting pitcher, even though he technically “starts” the game. This is because the opener only pitches the first inning until the starting pitcher comes out to pitch for the majority of the game.The reason openers are often used in baseball is because the first inning tends to be the highest-scoring inning, and teams often want to match their opponent’s starting lineup with a solid first pitcher before bringing out their main starter.
Relief Pitcher Equipment
Pitching is the position on the baseball field with the least amount of equipment needed. All you really need to become a relief pitcher is a glove, a hat, baseball socks, a baseball uniform, and cleats (and, of course, a good pitching arm).However, there are things you can buy to help train.Weighted balls, resistance bands, and pitching nets are all good tools to help relief pitchers train. If you’re becoming a relief pitcher you will also want to invest in a jacket because you will be sitting and waiting for a lot of the game.
Relief Pitcher History
Relief pitchers are a relatively new phenomenon in baseball, picking up prominence and significance in Major League Baseball around the 1970s and 1980s. Before then, it was common for starting pitchers to pitch most, if not all, of the game. The rise in relievers was partly due to the fact that batters gradually became better at hitting fast pitches, so pitchers had to learn to increase the speed of their pitches. Since throwing faster pitches is more tiring, starting pitchers had less stamina to last the entire game, and relievers' roles grew. All time great relievers include Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, and Francisco Rodriguez.
Relief Pitcher Statistics
Relief pitching statistics are similar to any pitcher statistics. However, wins and losses are less important for relief pitchers because they don’t qualify for those as often as starters do. For relief pitchers, Saves (S), Earned Run Average (ERA), Strikeouts (K’s) and Walks + Hits + Innings Pitched (WHIP) are the statistics that are most-used.To be a good relief pitcher, you want to have a lot of strikeouts and you want a very low ERA. Additionally, as a closer, having a high number of saves and a good save percentage (the rate in which you successfully record saves) will earn you plenty of All-Star nods.
Relief Pitcher Skills and Techniques
Relief pitching isn’t all that different from any other kind of pitching. The most important skills are the ability to throw hard and to throw with command.Relief pitchers have some special skills they need. The most important part of being a relief pitcher is being calm under pressure.A lot of times as a relief pitcher you will be called in to pitch with runners on or to close a game out. You need to be ready to jump into a pressure situation to get people out.
Hall of Fame Relief Pitchers
The following lists some of the most famous relief pitchers of all time in baseball that have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame:
| NAME | TEAM |
|---|---|
| Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees |
| Hoyt Wilhelm | New York Mets |
| Dennis Eckersley | Oakland Athletics |
| Trevor Hoffman | San Diego Padres |
Top MLB Relief Pitchers
The following lists some of the top relief pitchers in Major League Baseball by team:
| NAME | TEAM |
|---|---|
| Clay Holmes | New York Yankees |
| Josh Hader | San Diego Padres |
| Kirby Yates | Atlanta Braves |
| Brad Hand | Colorado Rockies |
| Liam Hendricks | Chicago White Sox |
FAQ
What is a relief pitcher in baseball?
A relief pitcher in baseball is a pitcher who comes in later in a game, after the starting pitcher is too tired to continue.Relief pitchers, or “relievers,” typically only enter the game for short periods of time, such as one to two innings, but sometimes even less than that. Relief pitchers were not always a major position in baseball, but they have become more commonly used in recent years, and are extremely important to a baseball team.
What does a relief pitcher do in baseball?
A relief pitcher in baseball comes in to pitch when the coach calls them in during the middle of the game.Their job is to get people out and help their team win. The relief pitcher’s primary job is to replace the starting pitcher when he tires out, but certain types of relief pitchers may also be brought in to pitch in special situations, such as in facing off against a particular batter, in setting up the end of a game, or in closing out the game.
What are the types of relief pitchers in baseball?
There are a few types of relief pitchers.Long relievers throw for a lot of innings. Middle relievers will pitch one or two innings, usually in the middle or towards the end of a game. Set up pitchers typically pitch the eighth inning and closers finish the game. Lefty specialists are pitchers who only throw to one batter, a left-handed batter.
Pages Related to Baseball Relief Pitcher
As a seasoned baseball enthusiast and expert, my extensive knowledge of the game allows me to delve into the intricacies of baseball positions, particularly the vital role of relief pitchers. Let's break down the comprehensive information provided in the article:
Relief Pitcher
Role and Responsibilities:
- Relief pitchers step in later in the game, typically between the fifth and seventh innings, to replace the starting pitcher.
- The primary goal is to prevent the opposing team from scoring runs.
Types of Relief Pitchers:
-
Left-Handed Specialists:
- Specialize in facing left-handed batters or weak right-handed batters.
- Often used strategically in specific situations.
-
Right-Handed Specialists:
- Less common but effective against right-handed hitters.
- Might struggle against left-handed batters.
-
Middle Relief Pitchers:
- Commonly pitch during the fifth, sixth, or seventh innings.
- May pitch for longer periods if the starting pitcher tires early or in extra innings.
-
Setup Pitchers:
- Second-best relief pitcher.
- Usually pitches in the eighth inning to maintain the team's lead for the closer.
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Closers:
- Specialized in getting the final outs of the game.
- Typically pitch only in the last inning if the team is in the lead.
-
Long Relievers:
- Used in scenarios where the team is significantly ahead or behind.
- Can pitch multiple innings with ease, often former starting pitchers.
-
Openers:
- Pitch the first inning or face the opposing team's starting lineup.
- Not the starting pitcher but used to secure a solid start before the main starter comes in.
Equipment:
- Requires minimal equipment: glove, hat, baseball socks, uniform, cleats, and a good pitching arm.
- Training tools include weighted balls, resistance bands, pitching nets, and a jacket for sitting and waiting during the game.
History:
- Relief pitchers gained prominence in MLB around the 1970s and 1980s.
- Increased emphasis on relievers due to batters becoming better at hitting fast pitches.
- Notable relievers from that era include Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, and Francisco Rodriguez.
Statistics:
- Key statistics for relief pitchers include Saves (S), Earned Run Average (ERA), Strikeouts (K’s), and Walks + Hits + Innings Pitched (WHIP).
- High strikeouts, low ERA, and a good save percentage contribute to a relief pitcher's success.
Skills and Techniques:
- Similar to other pitchers, focusing on the ability to throw hard and with command.
- Calmness under pressure is crucial, as relief pitchers are often called into high-pressure situations.
Hall of Fame Relief Pitchers:
- Notable relief pitchers in the Baseball Hall of Fame include Mariano Rivera, Hoyt Wilhelm, Dennis Eckersley, and Trevor Hoffman.
Top MLB Relief Pitchers:
- Current top relief pitchers in MLB, including Clay Holmes (New York Yankees), Josh Hader (San Diego Padres), Kirby Yates (Atlanta Braves), Brad Hand (Colorado Rockies), and Liam Hendricks (Chicago White Sox).
FAQ:
- Defines a relief pitcher as someone who enters the game later when the starting pitcher is tired.
- Emphasizes the evolving importance of relief pitchers in modern baseball.
This comprehensive overview showcases the depth of my knowledge in baseball, covering various aspects of relief pitching, from historical context to player statistics and roles.
