<P> Typically , in modern - day play , an active roster will consist of five starting pitchers , seven relief pitchers , two catchers , six infielders , and five outfielders . Teams can vary this somewhat according to preference and circumstance , and indeed the `` typical '' roster makeup has changed somewhat over the years . ( Starting rotations used to consist of four pitchers , not five , well into the 1970s ; third - string catchers used to be much more common ; many other minor variations exist . ) In the American League , a full - time designated hitter is usually classified as either an infielder or an outfielder , not a DH , because most DHs do play defensive positions from time to time . </P>
how many pitchers does a major league team have
five starting pitchers seven relief pitchers