How you use a pinch-hitter depends on the needs of your team, both short-term (winning the game) and long-term (developing players).This lineup card, like most in major league history, has the pitcher batting ninth You will have to decide if the pinch-hitter is a player that you want to keep in the game or if it is just a situational substitution. Many coaches have a plan with different possibilities.ĭepending on the scenario, they may use a player to pinch-hit if that situation pops up. Most leagues require the coach to inform the umpire before making a change in the line-up. How do you use a pinch-hitter?ĭepending on the league, there are a couple of ways that you can use a pinch-hitter. This gives them the opportunity to evaluate the player in a tough situation and gives the player experience. Some coaches may find themselves pinch-hitting a rarely-used player in a clutch situation. Pinch-hitting offers some flexibility to the manager to make their lineup fit their needs. A player fouling a ball off of their leg, pulling a muscle in their back, or getting injured on the field are just a few examples of how a player could get hurt before their at-bat is over. Injury is one of the biggest reasons early in the game. Why do you use a pinch-hitter?Īs mentioned above, there are several reasons why you might use a pinch-hitter. Pinch-hitting can be done at any point of the game that gives you an advantage. If you have a batter who is slumping early in the game, you might use a pinch-hitter to jumpstart your offense. In some cases, using a pinch-hitter allows you to warm up a pitcher. When the opposing coach uses a relief pitcher, it may be to your advantage if you use a different batter. In most cases, you will use a pinch-hitter in the later innings. If it is due to injury or discipline, you might need a pinch-hitter early in the game. When you choose to use a pinch-hitter depends on your needs. You can use a pinch-hitter at any point in the game. However, if the pinch-hitter is removed, they are done for the ballgame. In some cases, starters can reenter the lineup at the same spot one time. It is important to note that depending on the league, the batter that is pinch-hit for may not be able to reenter. A pinch-hitter can be used anywhere in the order. You may also have to pinch-hit for the power hitter in your line-up if you need someone to bunt or simply make contact with. Sometimes, you may pinch-hit for the weakest hitter in your lineup. A pinch-hitter can be used in ANY spot in the line-up. The situations and opportunities to use a pinch-hitter are endless. Here’s a great compilation video of pinch-hitters getting walk-off hits. The expectations depend on the situation and the players you have available. If you have a batter on the bench who can add power, lay down a bunch, or hit from the other side of the plater – that may be the person that you use as a pinch-hitter. If it is a situation where you have runners in scoring position (RISP) – you might use a pinch-hitter. If you are pinch-hitting for an injured player, most likely, your pinch-hitter is going in to not only bat but also play the field. What a pinch-hitter is expected to do depends on the situation. Is it early in the game? Are you expecting this player to continue in the field and continue to bat? Is it late in the game, and the batter won’t have to play the field? Maybe the game is out of reach and you are trying to get a player a few at-bats. If you intend for the player to stay in the game and play a position, then you will need to select someone who can field in a defensive position. What you decide to use as a pinch-hitter depends on the situation.
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