changing Pitchers

Terryd1 · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2004, 11:09am

Heres the question:
In MLB,Can you change pitchers after they have started throwning to the batter?

ozzy6900 · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2004, 11:16am

Yes you can except for the pitcher listed on the lineup card. He has to pitch to the 1st batter until said batter: is retired, walks, gets a hit or is substituted for.

Atl Blue · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2004, 11:22am

Well, it depends what you mean. Ozzy has given you one case where the pitcher must pitch to a batter. Also, ANY pitcher that is announced into the game must face one batter until that batter completes his at-bat; he may not be lifted before completing one batter.

But a pitcher that has been in the game and already faced at least one batter may certainly be lifted during the at bat of a particular batter.

Dave Hensley · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2004, 11:40am

Quote:

Originally posted by Atl Blue
Well, it depends what you mean. Ozzy has given you one case where the pitcher must pitch to a batter. Also, ANY pitcher that is announced into the game must face one batter until that batter completes his at-bat; he may not be lifted before completing one batter.

Or the side retired.

DG · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2004, 06:58pm

If the starting pitcher injures himself, or becomes ill, he need not complete pitching to the first batter. A substitute pitcher would also not need to complete pitching to the batter at bat if he injures himself, or becomes ill. Either pitcher would not be relieved from having to complete pitching to a batter if the batter is substituted for in mid-count. They would simply need to complete pitching to the sub, or retire the side, in the case of a reliever. And, if I eject any pitcher before he can complete his pitching requirements then not only can you change pitchers, I expect you to do so.