MN is doing a rule experiment this year... allowing the starting pitcher to be listed as both the pitcher and designated hitter, which allows that player to remain in the game as the DH even if he is replaced as pitcher.
Quote:
Modify rule 3-1-4 as follows:
ART. 4 . . .
The Pitcher may be listed as starting Pitcher/Designated Hitter on the lineup card presented to the umpire-in-chief and official scorer prior to the start of the game. (This will appear as a nine player lineup for the game but has a tenth player listed due to the dual position listing of the starting pitcher.)
A hitter may (not mandatory) be designated for any one starting player (not just pitchers) and all subsequent substitutes for that player in the game. A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the designated hitter in the starting lineup except for the pitcher.
The pitcher can concurrently play pitcher and designated hitter. A designated hitter for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the lineup cards presented to the
umpire-in-chief and to the official scorer.
Failure to declare a designated hitter prior to the game precludes the use of a designated hitter in that game.
If during the course of the game the player is replaced as the pitcher; he can remain in the game in the role of the designated hitter.
If during the course of the game the player is replaced as the designated hitter, he can remain in the game as the pitcher.
The player (pitcher) shall be locked into his original slot on the lineup card as pitcher/designated hitter/ or both and may re-enter the game one time in either position, the same as any other starter.
If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the designated hitter is used, that player becomes the new designated hitter. The player who was the designated hitter may re-enter as the designated hitter under the re-entry rule.
A designated hitter and the player for who he is batting are locked into the batting order.
No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation.
The role of the designated hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when:
a. the defensive player, or any previous defensive player for whom the designated hitter, batted, subsequently bats, pinch-hits or pinch runs for the designated hitter; or
b. the designated hitter or any previous designated hitter assumes a defensive position (except the starting pitcher); or
c. If the starting pitcher plays any defensive position other than pitcher.
Rationale:
At the high school level, in many programs, the best pitcher is also one of the best athletes. This change will protect the starting pitcher from over use of his throwing arm by having to stay in the game; and will keep the team from having to lose their best player/hitter. The best pitcher/athlete can now continue to hit once he has been replaced on the mound. He will hit for the new pitcher and any other pitcher that would come into the game.This will continue until the designated hitter is put into the game as a defensive player (other than pitcher).
The safety part of this rule is the pitcher does not leave the game and does not need to be put into the field to stay in the game. With the rule that is in place right now, the coach would lose not only the pitcher, but also hitter which hinders the chance for success in this contest. By allowing the pitcher to be listed as Pitcher/Designated Hitter at the beginning of the game we have protected the player from overuse and we have kept the playing of the contest level for both teams. This rule addendum is for keeping pitcher’s arm safe and teams competitive. The Designated Hitter will still be able to be used as it is at this time, as this merely gives another option.
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I'll have to see how it shakes out once the season starts, but I actually kinda like the rule in theory. What does everyone else think?