Courtesy Runner for the FLEX

[Big_Mike]

Dave Emerling wrote a great series of articles a few months back about all the tricks/strategies that a crafty coach could try with the DP/FLEX. One of the points of interest was: Is a coach able to bring the FLEX in to run for a DP and then IMMEDIATELY bring in the courtesy runner for the FLEX (since the FLEX is the P)? Or... would he/she have to leave the FLEX in the game for one pitch under the substitution rule 4:6-B-2? The question really boils down to "is bringing the FLEX in for the DP considered a substitution"? If yes, then the "one pitch" rule would apply. If no, then a CR could be used for the FLEX immediately since the FLEX is in fact the P. 4:6-B-2 specifically mentions that a "substitute is not considered in the game...." In this example, wouldn't the FLEX be considered "in the game" seeing as how she is the current P? It's confusing, but it's a legitimate question.

Any comments or clarifications would be appreciated!