GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
What separates a relief hold from simply finishing a game?
A hold is a relief credit for entering a save situation, recording an out and maintaining the lead for the next reliever. Games finished is credited to the last nonstarting pitcher for a team, regardless of whether a save was earned.
For Bettors and cappers learning to read baseball records · Updated
A hold depends on the relief handoff
MLB’s hold definition requires a reliever to enter a save situation, record at least one out and preserve the lead for the next relief pitcher. The stated entry conditions include a lead of three runs or fewer, or the tying run on base, at bat or on deck. A hold describes the middle-relief handoff, not merely appearing late.
A pitcher with a hold cannot also receive the win or save in that game under this statistical definition. More than one reliever can earn a hold in the same game.
Games finished identifies the last pitcher
Games finished is credited when a nonstarting pitcher is the last pitcher to pitch for his team. It does not require the team to win, the score to be close or the pitcher to satisfy save conditions. A closer can finish a game without earning a save.
A hold and a games-finished credit can appear in the same game on different pitchers: one preserves the lead for a later reliever, and that later nonstarter is the last pitcher.
A fictional middle-relief handoff
Hypothetical game: a middle reliever enters with a two-run lead in the seventh, records an out and leaves with the lead intact for another reliever. The first reliever can receive a hold under the stated conditions. A different reliever pitches last in the ninth and receives games finished. If the final reliever does not meet save conditions, the game can still have a games-finished credit without a save. The example is fictional and separates the two roles.
Related questions
Does games finished mean the pitcher earned a save?
No. Games finished identifies the last nonstarting pitcher. A save has additional scoring conditions.