Definition

Noun: - The act of substituting one pitcher for another during a baseball game: A "pitching change" is a strategic decision made by the team's manager to remove the current pitcher from the game and replace them with a new pitcher from the bullpen.

Usage

• A "pitching change" is a specific event within a baseball game. It is announced by the umpire and often involves a pause in play as the new pitcher warms up on the mound.
• It is used to discuss strategy, player performance, or game events.
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to make a pitching change": This is the standard verb phrase used to describe the manager's action.
  • The coach decided to make a pitching change to face the right-handed batter.
• "to signal for a pitching change": Refers to the act of calling to the bullpen for a new pitcher.
  • The catcher looked to the dugout, and the manager signaled for a pitching change.

Variants and Related Words

• Relief pitcher / Reliever (n): The pitcher who enters the game as part of a pitching change.
• Bullpen (n): The area where relief pitchers warm up, from which a new pitcher is called during a pitching change.
• Hook (n, informal): A term for removing a pitcher from the game, often leading to a pitching change.
  • The starter had a short leash and got the hook in the fourth inning.

Synonyms

• Pitcher substitution: A more formal term with the same meaning.
• Bullpen move: A term focusing on the origin of the new pitcher.

Related Phrases

• "to warm up": The activity a relief pitcher does in the bullpen before a pitching change.
  • The new pitcher began to warm up as soon as the pitching change was announced.
• "to take the mound": What the new pitcher does after the pitching change is complete.
  • Following the pitching change, the rookie took the mound for the first time.

Noun

1. replacing a pitcher in baseball