Substitutions
in Baseball
Pinch
Hitter
Each team is allowed to substitute for any player at any time, but
no player, once removed from the game, may return. A batter who replaces
another batter is referred to as a pinch hitter; similarly, a pinch
runner may be used as a replacement for a baserunner. Any replacement
is a permanent substitution; the replaced player may not return to
the game.
Relief Pitcher
It is common for a pitcher to pitch for several innings and then
be removed in favor of a relief pitcher. Because pitching is
a specialized skill, most pitchers are relatively poor hitters;
it is common to substitute for a pitcher when he is due to bat.
This pinch hitter is typically then replaced by a relief pitcher
when the team returns to the field on defense, but more complicated
substitutions are possible, most notably the double switch.
Re-Entry Rule
Many amateur leagues allow a starting player who was removed to
return to the game in the same position in the batting order
under a re-entry rule. Youth leagues often allow free and open
substitution to encourage player participation.
Designated Hitter
Most leagues, notably Major League Baseball's American League,
allow a designated hitter, a player whose sole purpose is to
hit when it would normally be the pitcher's turn. This is not
considered a substitution but rather a position, albeit a purely
offensive one. A designated hitter does not play in the field
on defense and may remain in the game regardless of changes in
pitchers.
 This
article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
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