[radpanda]

To be pedantic I don’t think the 3-batter rule mentions relief pitchers. If a team wanted to use an opening pitcher to face only the first batter and then replace him, that would also be against the rules.

https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/three-batter-minimum

[hluska]

If you’re going to be pedantic, don’t rely on a glossary. 5.10 (g) specifically mentions both starting and substitute pitchers.

It’s truly a shame that I had to mention this because it adds nothing to the conversation.