Please tell me where in the rule book you got your answer. I read you have to have nine players which you still do. I can't find where it says nine batters.

Re-read the shorthanded rule. It starts (4-1-D-2) with "To continue a game once started with a full team listed on the BATTING ORDER...a team may continue a game with one less player than is currently in the lineup whenever a player leaves the game for any reason other than ejection." (4-1-D-2-a) Remember, the shorthanded rule means you can play WITH ONLY ONE LESS PLAYER THAN NORMAL.

So if you use the DP/FLEX, you started the game with 10 players (only 9 batting). Now if any player other than the DP or FLEX leaves the game, you are down to 9 players (only 8 batting). Remember, playing shorthanded means you have one less player than normal.

Got it now?