DEFO/DP/Flex explanation

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by bigwes68

Saw a situation the other day in an NCAA D-I game that confused the heck out of me.

In the lineup submitted to the press box (where I was) an hour before game time, the DP was actually listed in the 10th spot in the lineup. Apparently, at the plate meeting, they made some sort of change that I still don't understand. But in the end, the player listed in the 10th spot never batted and never played the field. It was as if they were batting a straight 9.

The sports information director from the school in question tried to explain it to me, but I still never quite understood it. Any idea how this works?

Sounds to me like the coach screwed up the lineup card. My guess is he intended the following:

Starting lineup with DP/FLEX, DP is his #1 pitcher and a good hitter. FLEX is his #2 pitcher, but not a good hitter.
Once the lineup becomes official, but before the game starts, bring the DP in on defense for FLEX. He will stay with this lineup unless he needs to bring in relief for his starting pitcher. Then FLEX re-enters the game to pitch, and DP goes to offense only.

The correction to reflect the above is probably what happened at the plate meeting.