When can a pitcher be relieved?

• A. Whenever the coach decides to replace the pitcher per substitution rules.
• B. Only after three innings.
• C. Only after the umpire's approval.
• D. Only due to injury.

Answer: (A)

Relieving a pitcher is governed by substitution rules, meaning a coach can withdraw the pitcher at any point in the game whenever they decide it’s best. The change is made as part of normal substitutions and must be announced to the plate umpire so the new pitcher can enter and the lineup updated. This setup lets managers respond to fatigue, matchups, or injury without waiting for a specific inning or needing the umpire’s approval to proceed. The other ideas don’t fit because there’s no inning minimum, the umpire isn’t the one who approves the decision, and relief isn’t restricted to injury alone.