Replace Pitcher before inning starts

[tibear]

Had a situation last night, top of the sixth inning and starting pitcher takes the mound to warmup.

As I call for the batter the home manager announces that he wants to change his pitcher.

I know that a relief pitcher must face at least one batter before being removed from the game but does a starting pitcher also have the same restrictions after the first batter? That is, because it was the start of the inning, does the starting pitcher also have to pitch to one batter or can he be replaced immediately?

The visiting coach wanted the pitcher to be forced to remain but I allowed the substitution. Was I correct?

[Tim C]

tibear:

Yes you were correct. The pitcher had faced batters earlier in the game.

The rule is a game rule not an "inning rule".

Regards,