Before each baseball game begins, each coach will give the umpire a lineup card. Originally, the lineup card consisted of nine players, but since 1973, American League teams have been allowed to put 10 players on the lineup card. The 10th player is considered the designated hitter (DH) and takes the place of the pitcher in the batting lineup.
Batting Order
If an American League coach wishes to utilize the DH to bat for the pitcher, he must indicate the DH on the lineup card before the start of the game. A DH cannot be added into the lineup after the game starts. The DH may assume any position in the batting lineup but must stay in that order for the duration of the game. For example, if the coach puts the DH in the leadoff position, he must remain the leadoff hitter until a substitution occurs.
Interleague Games
The DH rule applies only to American League teams and is not used by the National League. The National League uses the traditional batting lineup where the pitcher hits for himself. When a World Series or interleague game takes place, the DH rule applies to the home team. For example, if the interleague game is being played in Yankee Stadium, which is an American League ballpark, the National League team will need to assign a DH to hit for the pitcher. However, if the game is played in a National League ballpark, such as Wrigley Field, the American League pitcher will need to hit for himself, and a DH won't be used.
Substitutions
The DH rule can become complicated when substitutions take place. If the offensive team wishes to utilize the DH, the DH is not allowed to substitute for another defensive position player. However, when the DH replaces a defensive player, the team will lose the DH, and the pitcher will be forced to hit for himself. Another situation in which the offensive team will lose the DH is when a pinch hitter bats for a defensive player and then enters the game as the pitcher.
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