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Torre's lineup move
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Author:  ADKbrown [ Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Torre's lineup move

In last night's game, Torre inserted Mariano Rivera into the batting lineup when Rivera went in to pitch in the 8th. This was remarked on by the TV commentators but not explained--or at least I didn't catch it. Evidently, it had something to do with letting Bernie Williams switch from DH to CF. Can anybody explain it?

The box score shows Rivera batting cleanup, but he never got to bat.

Author:  Matthew Grieco [ Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

The rule is straightforward: If the DH is moved to a fielding position, his team loses the benefit of the DH rule for the rest of the game and the pitcher must bat for himself.

It was a smart move by Torre, because the only way Rivera could have come to bat (given his position in the lineup) would have been if the Yankees had scored so many runs that he'd have had a comfortable cushion.

This part of the DH rule is necessary to ensure that teams do not use the DH spot as a sort of "free cell," if you will, to insert a new hitter late in the game without regard to his usual fielding position.

Another way to look at this is that you cannot move the DH spot within the lineup. You can pinch-hit for the DH without losing the DH, but the new DH must bat in the same spot in the order (with any other substitution, of course, defensive position is not relevant).

Other ways the DH can be lost for the rest of a game:

*The pitcher moves to another defensive position;
*A player already in the game in a non-pitching defensive position becomes the pitcher;
*The pitcher pinch-hits for the DH (it's true: The active pitcher in an AL game can be used as a pinch-hitter, but only when the DH's spot in the order comes up).

So, take heart. The DH rule could have been much worse than it is, had these restrictions not been imposed.

Author:  ADKbrown [ Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Matthew. Let's hope Rivera gets another save tonight.

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