SportsAugust 25, 2026

swingmen

SWING-men

Definition

In baseball, versatile pitchers who can effectively fill roles as either starting pitchers or relief pitchers based on team needs.

Etymology

Derived from 'swing' (in the sense of moving back and forth or alternating) and 'men,' reflecting the player's ability to switch back and forth between the distinct roles of a starter and a reliever.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how the Padres' pitching staff is currently structured, noting that beyond their main rotation, they rely on flexible pitchers who can perform multiple bullpen roles.

Robbie Ray charged with two runs against Pirates

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NBC Sports

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