If you have ever watched a baseball game, you’ll notice the announcers often refer to pitchers as starters and as relievers. Although they are both consider to be pitchers there are some key difference between the two that are important to understand.
A starting pitcher is a pitcher that begins each game on the mound. They will pitch for as many innings as possible until they are replaced by a relief pitcher who enters the game due to a starter’s poor performance, a high pitch count or because of an injury. Relief pitchers are generally more flexible because the often throw fewer pitches. There are a few different categories of relief pitchers and some will throw to a single batter while others my pitch for several innings. The closer is probably the most important relief pitcher and will typically enter the game during the final inning(s) when the score is close.
In this article we will go in detail to discuss the differences between starting pitchers and relief pitches and the import role each play during a baseball game.
Starting Pitchers vs. Relief Pitchers
A pitcher is one of the most important players in the game of baseball and will have the greatest impact on whether a team will win or lose. Due to their important role there are several different categories of pitchers each having a significant contribution to their team.
To help you better understand what a starting pitcher is vs. a relief pitcher I have put together the following information about the two and how the differ from one another.
Starting Pitcher
As stated by their title a starting pitcher is a pitcher that begins each game on the mound for a team. Starters are considered to be the best pitchers on the team and are asked to pitch as deep into the game as possible.
During the regular season most teams will only allow their starters to throw 100 pitchers during one start. This is done to preserve the pitcher’s health and keep them feeling fresh through out the season.
Most Major League Baseball teams will rotate between 5 different starters. This allows for starters to have four or five days of rest between starts, giving them enough time to recover from their previous outing.
Starting pitchers are typically the best pitchers a team has in their bullpen. They are also the most complete pitcher on the team. Meaning they have enough pitches and are good and consistent enough to get the other team out over several innings.
Relief Pitcher
A relief pitcher is a pitcher that enters the game after the starting pitcher has been removed. This change typically occurs because of poor performance by the starting pitcher, a high pitch count or because of an injury.
In the Major Leagues there are relief pitchers that are considered long relievers and those that only pitch an inning or two or even to just a single batter, depending on matchups and game situations.
Perhaps the most important relief pitcher is the closer. A closer is often considered to be the best relief pitcher a team has on their roster. They are typically called to pitch when the game is on the line and will usually start in the 8th or 9th inning depending on how close the game is.
Here is a quick breakdown of the different type of relief pitchers:
Long Reliever (Middle Relievers)
Long relivers come into the game when the starting pitcher is removed early, and their role is to pitch several innings. They also become super valuable when games go into extra innings and more pitching is required.
They typically pitch much longer than other relief pitchers and can sometimes even start depending on injuries or poor performances by other starting pitchers in the bullpen.
They are commonly called into the game in the fifth, six, or seventh inning depending on how well the starter is performing. Their job is to not give up as little of runs as possible until the 7th or 8th inning when the set-up man or closer can finish the game.
Relievers (Specialists)
On the other hand, there are relief pitchers that will only pitch an inning or even at times just to a single batter or single pitch. These relievers are considered specialists and typically have a few good pitches that they are good at.
These type of relief pitchers are often available to pitch in more games because they don’t throw very many pitches. Having a versatile amount of relief pitchers is a critical part of any bullpen. They may be called to pitch at any time of the game and will always need to be ready.
The Setup Man
The setup man, also referred to the setup pitcher or setup reliever is a relief pitcher who consistently pitchers before the closer. They will commonly pitch during the 8th inning, setting up the closer to finish the game and pitch the 9th inning.
Closers
The most important relief pitcher are ones that are closers. A closer is usually the best relief pitcher in a team’s bullpen. They throw hard and have some great pitches they can throw in key situations.
They are generally called to pitch at the end of the game when the score is close and their team needs some key outs to hold a lead or to come back. They are typically the highest paid and valuable relief pitcher and will pitch under stressful situations.
In general relief pitchers typically throw harder than starting pitchers because they can afford to give maximum effort, knowing they will only pitch for a short period of time. Their role is to compliment starting pitchers and help hold the other team to as little runs as possible.
Baseball coaches and managers will strategically use their relief pitchers to help maximize their team’s chances of winning the game and will end up using a variety of relievers depending on the game.
Source MLB.com
Pitching FAQ
Is it Better to be a Starting Pitcher or Relief Pitcher? Both a starting and relief pitcher are valuable players to any baseball team. However, starting pitchers typically considered better and more complete pitchers and will have a great impact on the outcome of a game.
Are Relief Pitchers Worse Than Starters? A pitcher may be a reliever for several reason on a baseball team. They may be inexperience and asked to play the role of a reliever or they may not have enough pitches or are consistent enough to be starting pitcher.
How Many Pitchers are there in Baseball? Major League Baseball teams will typically carry eleven or twelve pitchers on their roster. However, some teams will elect to carry more depending on their team needs.
Final Thoughts
Both starting and relief pitcher play a critical role on every baseball teams’ bullpen. These pitchers are involved in every play of the game and will ultimately determine whether a team will win or lose.
Although, relievers, closer and starters are all pitchers they all play a unique role on their team and it’s important to understand how each one is used through the game and season.
I hope this article was insightful and that it helped you learned the difference between starting pitchers and relievers and they important role they both play.