relievers

Relievers are agents or devices that provide relief from a problem, such as pain, pressure, or fatigue, or a class of players who enter a game to replace the starting player. The precise meaning depends on the context, with different fields using the term to describe solutions, substitutes, or devices that alleviate a condition.

In baseball, relievers are pitchers who enter a game after the starting pitcher has been removed. They may specialize as setup men to hold late leads or as closers to finish games. Relievers are typically evaluated by metrics such as earned run average, strikeout rate, and save opportunities, and their roles influence bullpen construction and late-inning strategy.

In medicine, pain relievers (analgesics) reduce physical discomfort. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, while prescribed analgesics may include opioids and other agents. The choice of pain reliever depends on the type and intensity of pain, patient factors, and potential side effects or interactions. Safe use involves following dosing guidelines and seeking medical guidance when needed.

In engineering and industry, relief devices such as relief valves and pressure-relief systems prevent overpressure in vessels and piping. They function to release excess pressure or gas to protect equipment and personnel. Design considerations include set pressure, capacity, response time, and compatibility with the system fluid.

Across contexts, relievers share a common function: to provide relief by mitigating a problematic state, whether through substitution in sports, pharmacological action in health, or pressure release in engineering.