Hold (baseball)

A hold (abbreviated HLD, H or HD) is awarded to a relief pitcher who meets the following three conditions:

1. Enters the game in a save situation; that is, when all of the following three conditions apply:

(a) He appears in relief (i.e., is not the starting pitcher); and

(b) He is not the winning pitcher; and

(c) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:

(i) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and maintains that lead for at least one inning

(ii) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck

(iii) He pitches for at least three effective innings.