Translation guide
In baseball, the pitcher who begins the game. Japanese uses specific terms depending on context, with 先発投手 being the most common and neutral.
The player who pitches from the beginning of a baseball game.
Standard term for 'starting pitcher' in baseball. Used in news, commentary, and everyday conversation.
今日の先発投手は田中です。
Today's starting pitcher is Tanaka.
先発投手が7回まで投げました。
The starting pitcher pitched through the 7th inning.
Short for 先発投手. Very common in casual conversation and headlines.
Loanword from English 'starter'. Used in sports contexts, but 先発 is more common.
In baseball talk, 先発 can also be used as a verb (先発する) meaning 'to start (a game)'. For example: 田中が先発する (Tanaka will start).
先発は誰？
Who's the starter?
明日の先発が発表された。
Tomorrow's starter has been announced.
彼はチームのエーススターターだ。
He's the team's ace starter.