flex batting in 10th spot

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

When the flex approaches the plate to bat in the DP's normal spot, are you requiring the coach to come tell you that they are batting the flex for the DP? No. When the flex comes to bat ... it is for the DP.

Well . . . Yes I would require it (NCAA rule citations)

8.2.3 Uncharged Substitution
The flex may go in and out of the DP’s position in the batting order any time and any number of times. This action counts as a substitution for the DP. This movement in and out of the game must be reported to the plate umpire to avoid an unreported player violation. (See Rule 8.3.3.)

8.2.4 Charged Substitution
8.2.4.1 The flex is charged with a substitution only when she is taken out of the defensive lineup. Movement in and out of the DP’s position in the batting order does not count but must be reported to the plate umpire.

This is an Illegal Player (8.3.4), specifically 8.3.4.1.6. The crux to this is when she can be discovered, as illegal players can be discovered while on base (before and after pitches scenarios are provided in 8.3.4.2). However, there is no mention if not on base (after a score). This can get rather strange, as the team in violation cannot make this right without penalty (8.3.4.2.1 Effect).

(sorry, not to hijack but) However, there can be a combination of rules if the timing is correct. Say the flex bats after the 9th batter and reaches base. We now have an illegal player (as long as the DP is not the first hitter, else just an unreported player). The number one batter now bats and reaches base. Before the next pitch, the coach appeals both an illegal player - the flex for batting for someone other than the DP - AND batting out of order because the flex batted for the leadoff hitter, hence the second batter is now the proper hitter.