Pinch Hitter/ Batting Out of Order

[mikebran]

I love it when such a short query can generate so much good discussion. It is a very good question. And thanks for the announced v unnounced. I would not have thought of that, but it is valid and affects rulings.

Let me play with this:

Lineup

Al
Bill
Charlie

Al batting but Charlie is on deck.

Al doubles.

Manager sees Charlie coming to the plate and decides to pinch-hit for him with Dusty.

Dusty doubles in the run. Before next pitch defensive team manager notifies the umpire of the batting out of order.

Lets break at the Manager Sees portion. Two scenarios now.

1. He simply calls Charlie back and says, "Dusty go hit". Dusty goes to bat and NOTHING is said about it. Absolutely unnounced.

2. He calls time and goes to PU to announce his change. He says Dusty is hitting for Charlie. PU pulls lineup card and crosses out Charlie and inserts Dusty.

In #1. If DEF appealed after Dusty double there is NO violation, yet. Dusty in game on line 2 for BILL. Charlie is DUE UP.