Courtesy runner

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

It might be stretching, but the rules say that once a CR is designated the P/C may not "return to run". Is it "returning to run" if the P earns her way on base again? Obviously, the intent of the rule never meant to include this situation, so no, it does not apply.

The "returning to run" simply means that, once you have designated a courtesy runner, the pitcher cannot then return to run for that courtesy runner. In other words, no "I changed my mind", no re-entry; the one stated exception is if the CR is injured, and there are no eligible subs.

This situation has nothing to do with that rule. The pitcher has legally batted again; that at-bat was legitimized by the defense's failure to appeal. She has earned her way on base legally. Not BOO, not an illegal sub. So, we have the pitcher of record who pitched the last inning on base; and she has not "returned to run", she has created a new running opportunity. She is entitled to a courtesy runner, since this meets every definition of when a courtesy runner may be used.