Left-handed specialist

A left-handed specialist is sometimes called a LOOGY (or Lefty One-Out GuY), coined by John Sickels, and may be used pejoratively.

Research from 2011 to 2013 has shown that a pinch hitter (usually right-handed) is often used when a left-handed reliever is inserted in the game, thereby reducing or negating the pitcher's platoon split advantage.

[8][9][10][11] Mike Myers is considered one of the most successful LOOGY pitchers of all time, having made 883 appearances for nine different teams over the span of a 13 year career, 1995–2007.

"[12] German-born Will Ohman discovered his talent by accident while playing catch as a walk-on player for Pepperdine University when he tried a different slider grip and noticed an extreme break on the ball.

"[12] Since the start of the 2020 MLB season, all pitchers, whether starters or relievers, have been required to face at least three batters, or pitch to the end of the half-inning in which they enter the game.

Journalist Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com opined that the new rule would "effectively end the so-called "LOOGY" (left-handed one-out guy) and other specialist roles in which pitchers are brought in for one very specific matchup.

Jesse Orosco , who became a left handed specialist later in his career, pitched until the age of 46.