middle reliever
1 of 1noun/ˈmɪdəl rɪˈlivər/
Forms:middle relievers
1
(baseball) a pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher but before the closer
A middle reliever is a type of reliever in baseball who comes into the game during the middle innings, usually when the starting pitcher has been taken out. Their job is to pitch for a few innings to keep the game close, prevent the other team from scoring, and give the team's stronger pitchers time to rest. Middle relievers often pitch in situations where the game is still competitive, and their performance can help set up the team's chances to win later on.
- The team relied on their middle reliever to hold the lead in the seventh inning.
- He transitioned from a starting role to become a reliable middle reliever for the bullpen.
- The middle reliever struggled with his command, walking two batters in a row.
- The manager brought in the middle reliever to face the left-handed hitters in the lineup.
- The middle reliever warmed up quickly when the starter began to tire in the fifth inning.