Designated hitter substitution NFHS test

[Scissors]

I don't understand this question from the test.

20. Sanders is the RF/DH. In the sixth inning the coach wants Healy to play right field and have Sanders to continue to be the DH.

• True
• False

Rule 3-1-4-b says "The role of the designated hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when: the designated hitter or any previous designated hitter assumes a defensive position."

So, how can Sanders be playing RF in the first place? Maybe I just don't understand DHs but this is confusing to me. Also not sure why it's true/false instead of legal/illegal.

[kylehutson]

You're absolutely correct that it should be Legal or Illegal, rather than True or False, but...

This is legal. I think you're looking at 3-1-4(a)2 rather than the applicable 3-1-4(b). Sanders is the Player/DH, and just for this scenario.

 

3-1-4(b) instead says that the role of the DH is terminated for the remainder of the game when:

1) A substitute for former substitute for the defensive role subsequently participates in an offensive role; or

2) The starting defensive player/DH is substituted for either as a hitter or a runner.

1 isn't applicable because Healy hasn't participated offensively, and 2 isn't applicable because Sanders is still in his starting role on offense.

[Senor Azul]

NFHS 2020 Baseball Rules Changes

3-1-4:  Designated Hitter (DH) can be used in two ways.The DH can be listed as the tenth starter replacing one of the other nine players when it is their turn to bat.The other method is that that any one of the starting defensive players can be their own DH (in effect having two positions) within the confines of the rule requirements.

Rationale: This rule change assists coaches with an alternative to keep their better players in the game to contribute to the offensive output of the team and give another player a chance to participate on defense. In addition, considering the pitch count rules, this change would help pitchers to keep their bat in the game, but can come out of the game defensively to protect their arms from overuse.

NFHS DH RULE 2020

Player may be listed as both the fielder and the DH.
Player may be substituted for defensively and still be the DH.
Once the DH is substituted for on offense, the role of DH is terminated for the game and only one player may occupy that spot in the batting order.
If the pitcher or catcher are listed as P/DH or C/DH they are NOT allowed courtesy runners.*
The player listed in the starting lineup as Fielder/DH may come out of the game in either role and re-enter once.

*NOTE: CR is by state adoption

[Scissors]

15 minutes ago, Senor Azul said:

NFHS 2020 Baseball Rules Changes

3-1-4:  Designated Hitter (DH) can be used in two ways.The DH can be listed as the tenth starter replacing one of the other nine players when it is their turn to bat.The other method is that that any one of the starting defensive players can be their own DH (in effect having two positions) within the confines of the rule requirements.

Rationale: This rule change assists coaches with an alternative to keep their better players in the game to contribute to the offensive output of the team and give another player a chance to participate on defense. In addition, considering the pitch count rules, this change would help pitchers to keep their bat in the game, but can come out of the game defensively to protect their arms from overuse.

NFHS DH RULE 2020

Player may be listed as both the fielder and the DH.
Player may be substituted for defensively and still be the DH.
Once the DH is substituted for on offense, the role of DH is terminated for the game and only one player may occupy that spot in the batting order.
If the pitcher or catcher are listed as P/DH or C/DH they are NOT allowed courtesy runners.*
The player listed in the starting lineup as Fielder/DH may come out of the game in either role and re-enter once.

*NOTE: CR is by state adoption

Thank you! I have the 2019 rule book, didn't realize this change was implemented and it really left me scratching my head.