No Time Out

[tballump]

Seems like you are in some player/coach games. Usually, from reading on this site and other articles, the umpires try to keep the ball "alive" as much as possible without calling time-out after every play. This keeps direct appeal plays possible, hidden ball trick possible, and keeps the game moving, not to mention the possibility of getting another out if the runner decides to gamble and run with the ball in the infield area.

When F6 player/coach came towards the mound you would immediately have to call time-out and follow him to the mound to make sure he does not talk any strategy with the pitcher and to decide whether to charge a conference or not and notify the oppossing team if a conference is or is not charged.

If F6 is not the player/coach, call time-out the first time he goes to the mound. However, remind F6 that you are not going to be call unnecessary time-outs all game, and that he must request time-out, otherwise the ball remains in play and runners can advance.

It sounds as if it was known that F6 was going to switch and become the pitcher, so it would seem time-out should be called as Bob Jenkins mentioned, just as if a coach/manager was making a trip out of the dugout, or making a change on his way to the mound.