Definition
Teams are permitted to substitute players any time the ball is dead. The manager must immediately notify the umpire of the switch and substitutes must bat in the replaced player's batting-order position. Once removed, players are not permitted to return to the game in any capacity. Types of substitutions include pinch-hitting, pinch-running, a pitching change and a defensive replacement.
Barring injury or illness, the starting pitcher must pitch until at least one batter reaches base or is put out. Any substitute pitcher must pitch until at least one batter reaches base or is put out, or the offensive team is put out in some other manner.
A double-switch refers to the act of substituting two players at once. The tactic is typically used in the National League to bring in a new pitcher when the pitcher's spot in the batting order is due up in the next half-inning. Rather than performing a straight one-for-one swap of pitcher for pitcher, a team subs the new pitcher into the batting-order spot of a non-pitcher and subs another non-pitcher into the removed pitcher's batting-order spot. That way, the team can avoid having the pitcher come to bat in the next half-inning without needing to use additional substitutions for a pinch-hitter and then another pitcher.
Impending rule changes that will go into effect at the start of the 2020 season
In an effort to reduce the number of pitching changes and, in turn, cut down the average time per game, MLB will institute a rule change beginning in 2020 that requires pitchers to either face a minimum of three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of a half-inning, with exceptions for injuries and illnesses.
As an avid baseball enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the game's intricacies, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from a combination of extensive research, personal experience, and a passion for the sport.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
-
Substitutions:
- Teams can substitute players anytime the ball is dead.
- The manager must immediately notify the umpire of the switch.
- Substitutes must bat in the replaced player's batting-order position.
- Once removed, players cannot return to the game in any capacity.
- Types of substitutions include pinch-hitting, pinch-running, a pitching change, and a defensive replacement.
-
Starting Pitcher Rules:
- Barring injury or illness, the starting pitcher must pitch until at least one batter reaches base or is put out.
- Any substitute pitcher must also pitch until at least one batter reaches base or is put out, or the offensive team is put out in some other manner.
-
Double-Switch:
- A double-switch involves substituting two players simultaneously.
- Commonly used in the National League to bring in a new pitcher when the pitcher's spot in the batting order is due up.
- Instead of a one-for-one swap, a team subs the new pitcher into the batting-order spot of a non-pitcher and substitutes another non-pitcher into the removed pitcher's batting-order spot.
- This tactic helps avoid having the pitcher come to bat in the next half-inning without using additional substitutions for a pinch-hitter and then another pitcher.
-
Impending Rule Changes (2020):
- In an effort to reduce pitching changes and the average time per game, Major League Baseball (MLB) introduced a rule change in 2020.
- The new rule requires pitchers to either face a minimum of three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of a half-inning.
- Exceptions are allowed for injuries and illnesses.
By staying abreast of these nuances and rule changes, I can confidently assert that these concepts contribute significantly to the strategic and dynamic nature of baseball. If you have any further questions or need more insights, feel free to ask!
