highlight-reel performance

OAKLAND -- CC Sabathia has waited for years to compile his own highlight-reel performance under the lights at the Oakland Coliseum, the kind of shows he used to cheer on as a paying customer in the cheap seats.

He has done a great job in that leadoff spot. He sparks so many things."

stifle a yawn/smile/grin etc
to stop a feeling from being expressed
He stifled an urge to hit her.
Cabrera tried his best to stifle a grin.

spot starter----A pitcher who starts an occasional game (perhaps only one game) who is not a regular starter in the rotation. This is a pitcher who is already on a team's roster and usually works as a relief pitcher. In contrast to a spot starter, who is already on the roster, an emergency starter is typically a player who is brought up from the minor leagues on very short notice because a regular starter is injured. Sometimes, however, even a player who is already on the roster may be referred to as an emergency starter if his starting role arises because the regularly scheduled starter has been injured.