setup man
1 of 1noun/ˈsɛtʌp mæn/
Forms:setup men
1
(baseball) a relief pitcher who precedes the closer, usually pitching in the eighth inning to maintain the team's lead
A setup man is a relief pitcher in baseball who comes in during the later innings of a game, just before the closer, to help maintain or protect the team's lead. Their job is to pitch effectively for one or two innings, getting the game to the closer in a good position to finish the game. The setup man often faces the opposing team's best hitters, and their performance is crucial to giving the team a chance to win. They typically pitch in the 7th or 8th inning, depending on the game's situation.
- The setup man came in to pitch the eighth inning with a one-run lead.
- He's been the team's setup man all season, setting up numerous save opportunities for the closer.
- The manager trusts him as the setup man because of his consistent performance in late-game situations.
- The setup man got the job done again, retiring the side without allowing any runs.
- In baseball, the setup man's role is crucial in bridging the gap between the starting pitcher and the closer.