What is the difference between a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher

Relief pitchers enter games after the starting pitcher has been removed, usually as a result of poor performance, high pitch count or injury. Many relievers work only an inning or two -- at most -- in a given game, though most clubs have a "long reliever" whose role is to come in to pitch two, three or four innings in relief of a starting pitcher who was removed from a game particularly early.

The long reliever can also be useful in extra-inning contests, when the timeframe for a game's conclusion is uncertain. Relievers typically throw harder than starting pitchers because they can afford to throw at maximum effort, knowing they are unlikely to throw more than 30 pitches in a day. But unlike their starting peers, relief pitchers can be asked to pitch on two or three consecutive days -- sometimes more -- though most relievers will require an off day after pitching three days in a row.

This is the first time starters have had a greater difference than relievers in the two rates since New technology is also allowing pitchers to improve the efficiency of their pitches. Starting pitchers also generally have a greater variety of pitches — and better command — than relievers, which is arguably one reason why they are starting pitchers and not relievers.

If starters close the velocity gap, where relievers have traditionally held an advantage, they are closing a significant portion of the performance divide. Perhaps the game has swung too far in favor of relievers. Managers might want to wait a little longer on that call to the bullpen, or at least consider whom they are calling upon. Check out our latest MLB predictions.

Travis Sawchik is a former sportswriter for FiveThirtyEight. 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. 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.

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 have become more commonly used in recent years and are extremely important to a baseball team. A relief pitcher in baseball comes in when the coach calls them in. Their job is to get people out and help their team win. There are a few types of relief pitchers.

Long relievers throw for a lot of innings. Middle relievers will pitch one or two innings. Set up pitchers usually pitch the eight inning and closers usually finish the game. Lefty specialists are pitchers who only throw to one batter, a left-handed batter, but starting in this will no longer be allowed. Previous Next. Table of Contents. Role and Responsibilities The role of a relief pitcher is the same as any other pitcher; to stop the other team from scoring runs. Types of Relief Pitchers Rarely just one reliever is used in a game.

Left-Handed Specialists Left-handed specialists, also called lefty specialists, are another type of relief pitcher. 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. Closers A closer is a special type of reliever; he is often the team's best relief pitcher. Relief Pitcher Equipment Pitching is the position on the baseball field with the least amount of equipment needed.

Relief Pitcher History Relief pitchers are a relatively new phenomenon in baseball ; they began picking up prominence and significance in Major League Baseball around the s and s.