A relief pitcher is a baseball player who enters the game after the starting pitcher has completed their innings. Their primary role is to face batters and help the team maintain or regain a lead. Relief pitchers are often specialized, with some focusing on getting left-handed or right-handed batters out, while others may be used in high-pressure situations. Relief pitchers can be categorized into different types, such as closers, who are responsible for finishing games and securing wins, and set-up pitchers, who pitch in the later innings to prepare for the closer. Effective relief pitching is crucial for a team's success in games and overall season performance.