Pinch Hitter/ Batting Out of Order

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Spence

I'm not an umpire so let me ask.

Can a manager only announce a sub when the subbed-for player is due to bat? Can't he announce it , say, when there's one more batter to go before his PH comes in?

Originally Posted by Spence

Educate me on this last section. What do you mean when you say "substitution is projected?"

Your two questions are related.

A projected substitution is one that does not occur at the time that the manager indicates his desire, such as stating that "Xavier will hit for Bill when it's his turn." These are not legal. The substitution can only occur when the switch occurs at the same time that the manager indicates it. On offense, this means that a substitution can only occur with a live runner or a current batter. On defense, this means that the switch must be made at the time of the announcement, and that the player being replaced must be in the field.