This change to the rules was discussed extensively at the UIC Clinic this past weekend.
Here are the highlights:
- A team may bat up to the total number of players they have available
- The first nine players listed are considered the "starters" and must have a defensive position listed on the lineup
- A team may use the DP/FLEX with more than nine batters, if so, the FLEX is always listed in the last position in the lineup and must have a defensive position listed. The DP must be one of the first nine batters
- Any batters in the batting order beyond nine are considered "substitutes"
- Any substitute (whether batting or not) may pinch run for any starter. The batting order DOES NOT change. Example: B4 reaches base and B12 enters to pinch run. This is legal. B4 has left the game, but is still part of the batting order. B4 would only use her re-entry when she is put back in the game on DEFENSE
- If a substitute in the batting order is entered to run for a starter and the substitute is due to bat while she is on base, an out is declared for that batting position. She cannot be subbed for or the starter re-entered to allow the substitute to bat
- The courtesy runner rule is not affected. Any player in the batting order is not eligible to be a courtesy runner. If a team is batting all players present, they will not have the option of using a courtesy runner
Many questions were asked and much conversation was generated. Personally, I still think there are loopholes and situations that have not been thought of.