be in the bullpen

baseball

1. To be in the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering the game. Elliot's in the bullpen right now—he'll come in and try to hold this lead. Is anyone in the bullpen warming up, or is Webb going to finish this inning? They've still got a good lefty in the bullpen, and I suspect he'll be tasked with getting out these right-handed batters.

2. To be ready and available as a replacement pitcher. Said of a team's relief pitchers collectively. OK, who do we have in the bullpen this season? Discouraged by the guys he had in the bullpen, the general manager opted to get a new pitcher at the trade deadline. Please tell me some quality options are in the bullpen tonight. We can't get blown out again.