When a pitcher is replaced during an inning or prior to an inning, which statement about the relief pitcher is true?

• A. May be authorized by the plate umpire for more throws in case of injury or inclement weather.
• B. May not use more than eight throws.
• C. Both A & C.
• D. May not use more than five throws.

Answer: (A)

Relief pitchers get a brief warm-up period before they begin pitching, and the umpire has the authority to extend that warm-up time if the substitution is affected by injury or inclement weather. This ensures the reliever is ready to pitch while still keeping the game fair and safe. The important point is that while there is a normal window for warm-ups, the plate umpire can authorize additional throws specifically in cases of injury or bad weather, which is why that statement is true. The other options try to pin a fixed maximum (like eight or five) without recognizing the umpire’s discretionary extension in those circumstances, so they don’t capture the rule as written.