Relief pitcher facts for kids
In baseball and softball, a relief pitcher or reliever is a pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed. Think of them as backup pitchers who come in to help their team. Their main job is to keep the other team from scoring more runs.
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Why Do Teams Use Relief Pitchers?
A starting pitcher usually begins the game and pitches for many innings. But sometimes, a starting pitcher might get tired, or the other team might start hitting their pitches well. That's when a relief pitcher comes in! They take over to finish the game or pitch for a few innings.
Relief pitchers often pitch in many games. However, they usually pitch fewer innings in each game compared to starting pitchers. This helps them stay fresh and ready to play often.
Different Kinds of Relief Pitchers
Teams use different types of relief pitchers for specific situations. Each one has a special role:
Closers
A closer is usually the last pitcher to play in a game. They come in during the final innings, often the ninth inning, when their team has a small lead. Their job is to get the last few outs and "close out" the game, making sure their team wins. Closers are known for being very good under pressure.
Set-Up Pitchers
Set-up pitchers usually pitch right before the closer. They often come in during the seventh or eighth inning. Their job is to "set up" the game for the closer. This means they try to keep the lead safe so the closer can finish the game easily.
Middle Relief Pitchers
Middle relief pitchers come into the game earlier than set-up pitchers or closers. They might pitch in the middle innings, like the fifth or sixth. They help bridge the gap between the starting pitcher and the later relief pitchers.
Left-Handed Specialists
Sometimes, a team needs a pitcher just for one or two batters. A left-handed specialist is a pitcher who throws with their left hand. They are often brought in to pitch against a strong left-handed batter from the other team. This is because left-handed pitchers often have an advantage against left-handed batters.
Long Relievers
A long reliever is a relief pitcher who can pitch for many innings, sometimes even more than a starting pitcher might in a bad game. They are often used when the starting pitcher has to leave the game very early. The long reliever can then pitch for several innings to save the rest of the bullpen.
Images for kids
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Cleveland Indians relief pitchers Aaron Fultz and Rafael Betancourt warming up in the bullpen at Jacobs Field in 2007
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The bullpen car used by the Boston Red Sox to cart relievers into games
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