Quote:
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Originally Posted by David Emerling
Scenario:
Lineup cards have been exchanged and the game is about to begin. The home team takes the field. The home team's lineup indicates their intention to make use of the DP/FLEX provision. The FLEX player is listed in the 10th spot and is designated as the pitcher.
The game begins and the leadoff batter gets a base-on-balls.
The next batter hits a sharp comebacker to the pitcher, who astutely whirls and fires to 2nd. They turn a double play!
At the conclusion of the play, the offensive manager requests time and wants to speak to you, the PU. He is carrying a lineup card and has a befuddled look on his face.
Offensive manager: "Hey, the player they have listed as their pitcher is not pitching? Isn't that illegal?"
That's the extent of his comment. He is asking you.
Isn't that illegal?
You get out your lineup card to see what is going on. Sure enough, the player who is pitching is actually indicated as the "2B" on the lineup.
Then who in the heck is playing 2B? It's the DP!
Then where in the hell is the FLEX (who was the designated pitcher in the lineup)? She's sitting on the bench!
You take a deep breath and shake your head.
Offensive manager, "Can they do that - not use the player they put down as their starting pitcher?"
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Speaking ASA
Absolutely! As long as the DC reported that change prior to the batted ball.
The defensive designation on a line-up card is relevant only as it pertains to the use of a CR for the team who bats in the top half of the first inning.
The FLEX is now out of the game and has a re-entry available. So, as the PU there are two possibilities.
1. The defense's coach announced the DP for the FLEX change (required as noted in RS.15.L) at the top of the inning and you inform the coach that this is a legal substitute (assuming you forgot to record it on your card. Shouldn't happen, but it does), or
2. You realized the defense failed to report the change. Now the DP is considered an unreported substitute. In accordance with 4.6.C.8:
a. The DP is disqualified and must be replaced with a legal substitute or the Flex must re-enter the game in the DP's position;
b. The offense has the option to take the result of the play (not likely) or return the last batter to the box, assume the count as it stood prior to the last pitch and all runners return to the last base occupied prior to the play.