FED - DH - Re Entry

[johnnyg08]

Thoughts on this one?

Here is the relevant piece to the scenario:

Lineup:

Jones 8

Smith DH

So...Smith is DHing for Jones who is playing centerfield.

In the 2nd inning Smith singles and is stranded on base.

At the end of their offensive half inning, Jones goes to play defense in center.

In the 5th inning Smith leads off with a single. Jones pinch runs for Smith.

At the end of their offensive half inning, Jones goes back to centerfield.

In the 7th inning Smith bats for Jones again and lines out to right field.

At the end of their offensive half inning, Jones goes back to centerfield

In the 9th inning Smith is in the on deck circle to hit again for Jones.

If Smith gets up to bat again...by rule is this legal or illegal?

[Mbilica]

The way I see it, if the DH doesn't go away, the only time Smith left the game was when Jones pinch ran for him in the 5th, which would seem fine by 6-1-3. But 6-1-4 clearly states that the DH goes away as soon as the defensive player he is hitting for bats, or runs for the DH.

So, in the 7th, Smith uses his reentry and Jones has left the game. When Jones takes the field after that, Jones has used his reentry and Smith is done. Smith cannot bat in the 9th and it would be an illegal substitution if he did.
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[rcaverly]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

In the 5th inning Smith leads off with a single. Jones pinch runs for Smith.

The “role of the DH” ended when starting fielder Jones on defense came on offense for starting hitter Smith. Since starter Smith “left the lineup for the first time” he is eligible to re-enter in the same spot.

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

In the 7th inning Smith bats for Jones again and lines out to right field.

This is starter Smith’s re-entry. Starter Jones has now “left the lineup for the first time” and he is eligible to re-enter in the same spot.

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

At the end of their offensive half inning, Jones goes back to centerfield

This is starter Jones’ re-entry. Starter Smith has now “left the lineup a second time” and is no longer eligible to play.

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

In the 9th inning Smith is in the on deck circle to hit again for Jones. If Smith gets up to bat again...by rule is this legal or illegal?

Illegal.

[bob jenkins]

I agree with the above analysis. Easy-peasy in FED

[johnnyg08]

Good job everyone. My partner and I had this on Sunday and we got it right, just like you. The reason I posted it is that they claimed to have been doing it this way for the better part of ten years...and I believe them. They were not happy with us not allowing it...but they didn't protest. So...hopefully some umpires who were wishy-washy on this substitution piece read your responses and get it right in their games. Thanks for playing ladies and gentlemen.