Baseball has been a popular pastime in the United States for generations. It is a game of strategy and skill, and its terminology can be confusing to those who are new to the sport. One of those terms is “RP,” which stands for relief pitcher. In this article, we will explain what RP means in baseball and why it is important.
What is a Relief Pitcher?
A relief pitcher is a member of a baseball team’s pitching staff who is called upon to pitch in relief of the starting pitcher. A relief pitcher can be used to protect a lead, prevent a run from scoring, or just provide a break for the starting pitcher. Relief pitchers typically specialize in a certain type of pitch, or pitch from a certain arm angle, or throw at a certain velocity.
When is a Relief Pitcher Used?
Relief pitchers are typically used in the middle or late innings of a game. If the starting pitcher is in trouble, the manager will often bring in a relief pitcher to try and get out of the jam. Relief pitchers are also used in extra innings or when the starting pitcher tires and no longer has the stuff to get outs.
Types of Relief Pitchers
There are several different types of relief pitchers used in baseball. The most common types are the setup man, the closer, the left-handed specialist, the long reliever, and the middle reliever.
Setup Man – The setup man is usually the pitcher who pitches the eighth inning of the game in order to protect a lead. This pitcher is usually one of the best pitchers on the team and is the bridge from the starting pitcher to the closer.
Closer – The closer is the pitcher who is called upon to pitch the ninth inning of the game with the goal of protecting a lead or closing out the game. The closer is usually the most reliable pitcher on the team and often throws the hardest.
Left-Handed Specialist – A left-handed specialist is a relief pitcher who is used specifically to face left-handed batters. These pitchers usually have a high strikeout rate and are used to get the last out of an inning.
Long Reliever – The long reliever is usually the pitcher who is called upon to pitch in emergency situations when the starting pitcher has to leave the game early. The long reliever is usually the least reliable pitcher on the team, but is needed to eat up innings when the starter can’t.
Middle Reliever – The middle reliever is usually the pitcher who pitches the sixth, seventh, and sometimes the eighth inning of the game. The middle reliever is usually the most versatile pitcher on the team and is used to bridge the gap from the starter to the setup man.
Why is the Role of a Relief Pitcher Important?
The role of the relief pitcher is extremely important in baseball. Relief pitchers are used to protect leads, prevent runs from scoring, and provide a break for the starting pitcher. Without reliable relief pitchers, teams would not have a chance to win close games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “RP” in baseball stands for relief pitcher. Relief pitchers are used in the middle or late innings of a game to protect leads, prevent runs from scoring, and provide a break for the starting pitcher. There are several different types of relief pitchers, such as the setup man, the closer, the left-handed specialist, the long reliever, and the middle reliever. The role of the relief pitcher is extremely important in baseball, as teams would not have a chance to win close games without reliable relief pitchers.