Pitching Takes Warm-ups then Sub

[hogsfan787]

Can a pitcher who has already faced a batter go out to the mound to warm-up in a new inning, then be replaced before facing one batter in the inning? I've always thought no, but have not been able to find a specific rule on it.

Also is there a difference in FED and OBR

[Richvee]

OBR, yes he must pitch to a batter.

3.05

 

(d) If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take

his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until

such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for, or the

pitcher sustains an injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief,

incapacitates him from pitching. If the pitcher ends the previous inning on base or at bat

and does not return to the dugout after the inning is completed, the pitcher is not required

to pitch to the first batter of the inning until he makes contact with the pitcher’s plate to

begin his warm-up pitches.

[hogsfan787]

Thank You

[Richvee]

No problem. I don't see anything against it in the FED book. 

[Rich Ives]

The OBR rule is new. Older books will not have it.

[noumpere]

The college rule is the same as the pro rule.  The HS rule allows the change but if the total number of warm-up pitches exceeds 5 then the old/current pitcher cannot return to the mound for the rest of the game.

 

Also, for the OP, the restriction on "a pitcher must face one batter" applied in pro and college to one batter in a game -- not one batter in an inning.  So, until the rule was changed recently the substitution would be allowed.

 

[Kevin_K]

OBR, yes he must pitch to a batter.

3.05

 

(d) If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take

his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until

such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for, or the

pitcher sustains an injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief,

incapacitates him from pitching. If the pitcher ends the previous inning on base or at bat

and does not return to the dugout after the inning is completed, the pitcher is not required

to pitch to the first batter of the inning until he makes contact with the pitcher’s plate to

begin his warm-up pitches.

 

Take a look at the link below for a recent example of a pitcher taking warm ups and not facing a batter:

 

http://www.closecallsports.com/2013/08/ask-uefl-patton-substitution-to-start.html