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The designated hitter, often called the DH, is one of the most discussed ideas in baseball. It changes who hits, how managers plan a game, and even how teams build their rosters. If you have ever watched a Major League Baseball game and wondered why the pitcher does not bat, or why some players only hit and never play the field, you are in the right place. This guide explains the designated hitter rule in simple, friendly language so beginners can follow along with ease. By the end, you will not only know how the rule works, but you will also understand why it matters and how it shapes the way modern MLB games are played.
What Is the Designated Hitter?
The designated hitter is a player who bats in place of the pitcher. In MLB, pitchers almost never bat anymore because the league now uses a “universal DH.” That means every game, in every ballpark, both teams can use a DH.
The DH is part of the lineup just like any other hitter, but the DH typically does not play defense. He takes his at-bats, runs the bases when he reaches, and then sits on the bench while the defense goes onto the field. This creates a clear split: the pitcher focuses on pitching, and the DH focuses on hitting.
A Quick History of the DH
The American League first adopted the DH in 1973 to add more offense and reduce the number of weak at-bats by pitchers. For decades, the National League did not use the DH, which meant pitchers had to bat in NL parks. This difference was a defining trait of the two leagues and led to many strategy debates.
In 2020, during the shortened season, MLB used the DH in both leagues for the first time. In 2022, MLB made it permanent. Today, the universal DH is the norm in both leagues and in the postseason. That change simplified interleague play and made the fan experience more consistent from city to city.
Why MLB Uses the DH
There are three main reasons MLB uses the DH:
First, the DH boosts offense. Pitchers were often the weakest hitters in a lineup. Replacing them with a skilled hitter leads to more action, more runs, and more exciting at-bats.
Second, it reduces injuries. Pitchers are valuable arms. Batting and running the bases can raise the risk of freak injuries to pitchers, so removing those at-bats helps protect them.
Third, it adds career longevity for hitters who can still swing the bat but may not field well anymore. It gives veteran sluggers a role and keeps stars in the game longer.
How the DH Works Today: The Basics
In MLB games today, each team may use one DH. That DH is locked to a single spot in the batting order. The pitcher does not bat unless the team loses its DH later in the game due to a specific substitution or rule situation. The DH does not need to be a full-time hitter; some teams rotate the DH role among different players to give regular fielders a lighter workload.
The DH applies in nine innings and in extra innings. There is no special exception for playoff games—same rule throughout the season and postseason.
Before the Game: The Lineup Card
Before first pitch, each manager submits a lineup card with nine hitters and their batting order. With the DH, that card shows the DH listed as “DH,” and it also lists the pitcher separately. The DH’s name appears in the batting order just like any other player, usually in the heart of the lineup where teams want power or a strong on-base hitter.
Once the lineup is official, the DH spot is tied to that order position for the rest of the game. The player can be substituted, but the spot remains in the same place in the order.
During the Game: What the DH Actually Does
The DH takes his turns at bat every time the lineup cycles to his spot. If he reaches base, he runs the bases like anyone else. He can score, steal, slide, and get thrown out. The DH is a full offensive player, just not a defender.
When the team takes the field, the DH normally does not play defense. He sits out that half-inning while the pitcher and eight defensive players go to their positions. Many DHs will continue warming up in the batting cage or work with coaches between plate appearances.
Pinch Hitting and Pinch Running for the DH
Managers can pinch-hit for the DH like they can for any hitter. If they do, the pinch hitter becomes the new DH for the rest of the game, assuming he stays in the game. This does not eliminate the DH role. It simply changes which player is filling it.
Pinch runners can also replace the DH on the bases when speed or baserunning skill is needed. The pinch runner then becomes the DH going forward. Again, this is just like any other offensive substitution. The DH role remains intact as long as the new player does not also take a defensive position.
How a Team Can Lose Its DH
There is one big way a team can lose its DH: by using the DH as a defensive player. If the DH takes the field, even for a single pitch, the DH is “lost” for the rest of the game. From then on, the pitcher’s spot must appear in the batting order at the DH’s original place.
Here is the key point. The designated hitter is a role that exists only as long as no defensive player assumes the DH’s place in the field. The moment the DH goes to the field, or a fielder enters the DH spot, the club loses the DH. After that, pitchers must bat in that lineup spot or be pinch-hit for when their turn comes up.
Once a team loses the DH, it cannot get it back later in the same game.
The Shohei Ohtani Rule
There is a special modern rule often called “the Ohtani Rule.” It was added in 2022 and speaks to what happens when the starting pitcher is also the team’s DH at the start of the game. Under this rule, if the starting pitcher is also listed as the DH, he can keep hitting as the DH even after he stops pitching. In the past, a pitcher who left the mound would also be out of the batting lineup if he had been doing both jobs. Now, he can remain as the DH for the rest of the game.
This rule is important for two-way players who both pitch and hit at a high level. It supports the rare talent that can do both, and it avoids forcing the team to choose between offense and pitching changes in the middle of a game.
Example Scenarios: How the Rule Plays Out
Example 1: A Standard Game
Imagine a team lists a veteran slugger as the DH in the five spot. He bats four times, drives in a run, and never goes on the field. The pitcher is replaced by a reliever in the seventh inning, and the DH keeps batting as usual. Nothing complicated happens—this is the most common version of the DH in action.
Example 2: Losing the DH Mid-Game
Now imagine in the seventh inning the left fielder gets hurt. The manager decides to move the DH to left field because he has some experience there. The moment that happens, the DH is gone for the rest of the game. When the DH’s spot comes up in the order, the pitcher’s spot is now there. If the manager does not want the pitcher to bat, he must use a pinch hitter. If he pinch-hits, he will need another reliever to pitch the next inning, because the pinch hitter cannot then pitch.
Once you lose the DH, strategy gets more complex, and the bench becomes more important.
Example 3: Pinch-Hitting for the DH
Suppose a tough left-handed reliever enters, and the team’s DH is a right-handed power hitter who struggles against lefties. The manager pinch-hits with a right-handed batter who matches up better. That pinch hitter gets his at-bat. If he stays in the game, he becomes the new DH for the rest of the game. The team does not lose the DH just because they pinch-hit for him.
Example 4: The Ohtani Rule in Practice
A two-way star starts the game as both the pitcher and the DH. He throws six innings and then is replaced on the mound by a reliever. Thanks to the Ohtani Rule, he can keep hitting as the DH in his normal spot. He might even deliver a big late-inning hit while no longer pitching. This keeps the lineup strong without locking the team into their starter staying on the mound longer than is wise.
Strategy Changes With the DH
The presence of the DH affects how managers think. Without pitchers batting, there is much less need for classic small-ball moves that were used to work around a weak-hitting pitcher. For example, sacrifice bunting is less common because every lineup spot can threaten to get a hit or draw a walk.
Managers also use their bench differently. In the past, National League managers saved several pinch hitters to replace pitchers late in the game. With the DH, pinch-hitting is used more for matchups rather than to avoid the pitcher’s at-bats. That can change how many bench players a team carries and the type of skills those bench players bring.
Lineup Construction With a DH
Where should a DH bat in the order? Many managers place the DH in the middle of the lineup because that is where traffic is created and runs are driven in. But not every DH is a slugger. Some teams prefer to bat a high on-base DH in the two or three spot to boost run-scoring opportunities for the power hitters behind him.
Because the DH often does not play the field, managers can load the lineup with the best bats and keep a more agile defender on the bench as a late-inning replacement if needed. This flexibility lets teams plan specific late-game strategies without giving up offense early.
Rotating DH: The “Half-Day Off”
Many teams do not use a full-time DH. Instead, they rotate their regular position players through the DH spot to give them a lighter workload while keeping their bat in the lineup. For example, a catcher may DH the day after a night game, or a star outfielder might DH when he has a minor leg soreness but can still swing the bat.
This “half-day off” approach helps players stay healthy across a long 162-game season. It also spreads at-bats around the roster, giving managers a way to manage fatigue without benching their best hitters.
Platoons and Matchups
Because the DH is free from defensive demands, teams often build platoon strategies. A right-handed DH might start against left-handed pitchers, while a left-handed DH starts against right-handed pitchers. This maximizes the value of those hitters without overexposing them to matchups they struggle with.
Managers consider more than handedness. They also look at pitch types, recent performance, and ballpark factors. Some hitters crush fastballs but struggle with breaking balls; if a specific pitcher leans heavily on sliders, a manager may choose a different DH who handles that pitch better.
Rosters Built for the DH Era
Teams shape their rosters with the DH in mind. Here are the common approaches:
Some teams have a classic full-time DH, usually a power hitter who does not field much. These players produce runs with homers and extra-base hits and are expected to slug in the middle of the lineup.
Other teams mix and match. They might carry several versatile hitters who can rotate through the DH spot while also playing the field. This approach values flexibility and can keep more players game-ready across the season.
Finally, some clubs use the DH to get younger prospects steady at-bats while they learn a defensive position in the minors, or to keep veterans fresh when they are managing nagging injuries.
How the DH Affects Pitchers
Pitchers do not have to bat, bunt, or run the bases in most games now. This has practical benefits. Starters can focus on their pitch counts and game plans without worrying about an at-bat. Relievers can be used freely without considering when their spot will come up in the batting order.
With the DH in place, managers rarely need to pull a pitcher for a pinch hitter just to avoid seeing that pitcher bat. That means pitching changes are driven more by performance and matchups than by the pitcher’s place in the order.
Double Switches Are Rare, But Still Possible
In the old National League style, managers often used a double switch: they would replace the pitcher and a position player at the same time, moving the new pitcher to a different spot in the batting order to delay his at-bat. With the DH, double switches are mostly unnecessary.
However, if a team loses its DH during a game, a manager can still use a double switch later to manage the pitcher’s batting spot. It does not happen often, but it is a tool that still exists for special situations.
Common Misconceptions About the DH
“The DH Never Runs the Bases.”
Not true. The DH runs the bases like any hitter. If he singles, he must run to first and beyond if the play continues. He can be pinch-run for, but then that substitute becomes the DH going forward.
“The DH Bats for Any Weak Hitter.”
In MLB, the DH is assigned to hit for the pitcher. He is not a floating hitter who can bat for anyone at any time. Once the DH is tied to that lineup spot, it remains tied for the rest of the game. If the team loses the DH and the pitcher must bat, the DH does not come back later to cover for a different player.
“If the Pitcher Leaves the Game, the DH Leaves Too.”
Normally, no. A DH is separate from the pitcher. The DH continues to bat even if the team changes pitchers several times. The exception is the special case when the starting pitcher is also the DH; in that case, the Ohtani Rule allows him to keep hitting after he stops pitching.
“A Team Can Use Two DHs.”
No. Each team has only one DH spot in the lineup. You can pinch-hit or pinch-run for the DH, and that substitute becomes the DH, but you cannot create a second DH role.
“Once You Lose the DH, You Can Get It Back.”
No. If the DH takes the field or a fielder enters for the DH, the team loses the DH for the rest of the game. From then on, the pitcher’s spot appears in that batting order position, and managers must handle it with pinch hitters or live with the pitcher batting.
Awards and Recognition for DHs
There are several ways DHs receive recognition. The Edgar Martinez Award honors the top designated hitter each season. The Silver Slugger Awards also highlight the best offensive players at each position, including DH. Many DHs lead their clubs in home runs, on-base percentage, or slugging, and they often hit in crucial spots because their role is to produce runs.
There has been long debate about DHs and legacy. Some fans and analysts used to push back against honoring full-time DHs because they do not play defense. Today, with the universal DH and a deeper understanding of offensive value, there is greater acceptance of DHs as essential contributors—especially when their bats are elite.
How the DH Shapes Game Flow
Because pitchers do not bat, innings with the bottom of the order can still produce offense. There is no “easy out” that managers count on when facing the eight or nine hitters. This keeps pitchers working harder, and it reduces the number of automatic bunts that were common when pitchers came up with runners on base and fewer than two outs.
The DH also leads to fewer mid-inning player-for-pitcher changes for the sake of offense. Managers can make decisions based on the current hitter-pitcher matchup without worrying as much about the next half-inning’s batting order.
Injuries and Player Health
One goal of the DH is to prevent injuries to pitchers while hitting or running the bases. A pitcher who pulls a hamstring crossing first base or gets hit on the hand while bunting can miss weeks. By removing most pitcher at-bats, MLB aims to protect arms that are both valuable and fragile.
For hitters, the DH provides a path to play through minor issues without the demands of fielding. Players can still help the team with their bat while protecting a sore shoulder or knee by avoiding the outfield or infield for a few days.
The DH in Extra Innings
Extra innings work the same as regulation innings when it comes to the DH. The DH continues hitting in his lineup spot. If a team has already lost the DH, the pitcher’s spot remains in the order and may come up at a tense moment, forcing tough decisions about pinch hitters and bullpen usage.
The recent extra-innings rule that places a runner on second base at the start of each half-inning does not change the DH rule. It simply creates scoring chances and speeds up endings, while the DH remains in place as normal.
Interleague and Postseason Play
In the past, interleague games had different rules depending on the ballpark. Now, with universal DH, every interleague game uses the DH. That standard continues in the playoffs. Teams build their rosters, lineup strategies, and matchups with the DH in mind from Opening Day through October.
How the DH Affects Stats and Records
Because the DH boosts offense, league statistics have changed over time. Teams score more runs, and there are more quality plate appearances in every lineup. It also affects how we compare players across eras. Hitters now have more opportunities to hit without the wear and tear of playing the field, while pitchers face tougher lineups with no easy outs.
Modern stats account for the DH role with positional adjustments that balance the value of defense and offense. For most fans, the key takeaway is simple: the DH makes the game more offense-forward, and that can be fun to watch.
Special Cases and Edge Situations
If the Pitcher Moves to a Defensive Position
It is rare, but if a pitcher leaves the mound and moves to a defensive position, the team loses the DH—just as if the DH had taken the field. The pitcher is now a fielder, and the lineup must include the pitcher’s batting spot going forward. Teams almost never do this unless there is a strange injury crunch.
If the DH Gets Hurt on the Bases
If the DH is injured while running the bases, the team can use a pinch runner. That player then becomes the DH. The DH role remains active because a defensive player did not enter for the DH. Only moving the DH into the field, or moving a fielder into the DH’s lineup spot, will eliminate the DH.
When Benches Get Short
In long games or injury-heavy days, benches can get thin. If a team runs out of position players and previously lost the DH, a pitcher might need to bat at a key moment. It is not ideal, but it can happen. Managers aim to plan ahead to avoid this kind of scenario, especially in extra innings.
Two-Way Players Beyond Ohtani
The DH rule and the Ohtani Rule both support the possibility of two-way players. While true two-way stars are rare, MLB rules now allow teams to manage these talents more sensibly. A player can be a pitcher and a hitter without the old penalty of losing the DH the moment he leaves the mound. This may inspire more athletic pitchers to continue developing their bats in the minors, though the standard path still focuses on pitching alone.
How Teams Teach the DH Role
Hitting as a DH is not as simple as just swinging four times a night. Many players say DH feels different from playing the field because they spend long stretches between plate appearances staying ready. Teams help DHs stay sharp by keeping them moving in the cages, giving them video feedback, and crafting pre-at-bat routines. The goal is to keep timing and focus while they are not on defense.
Veteran DHs learn to manage their day: when to watch the opposing pitcher, when to stretch, and when to ramp up intensity in the tunnel. The mental side of DH is a real skill.
What New Fans Should Watch For
If you are new to MLB, watch the DH’s at-bats closely. The DH is often in a spot where rallies start or end. Notice how managers handle the DH late in games: will they pinch-hit against a tough reliever, or trust their DH to handle the matchup? Also watch how teams use the DH for rest days. When a star player is listed as the DH, it is often a sign the team is giving him a lighter workload while still counting on his bat.
Pros and Cons of the DH
The DH is popular with many fans because it keeps lineups strong. Nobody enjoys watching too many automatic outs, and adding one more good hitter keeps the action steady. It also protects pitchers’ health and allows veteran hitters to keep contributing to the game.
Some fans miss the old strategy of pitchers batting. They enjoyed the chess match of pinch-hitting for pitchers, bunting, and double switches. For them, the universal DH takes away a classic layer of game management. The good news is that baseball still offers a deep strategic experience, just shaped differently around matchups, bullpen use, and late-game substitutions.
Putting It All Together
Here is the essence of the DH in MLB today. One lineup spot is filled by a designated hitter who bats for the pitcher. That DH can be a full-time slugger or a rotating role for rest and flexibility. The DH can be pinch-hit or pinch-run for, and the new player becomes the DH. The team only loses the DH if a defensive player takes the DH’s spot or if the DH moves to the field. Once lost, the DH cannot return in that game.
The Ohtani Rule is a modern twist that allows a starting pitcher who is also the DH to continue batting after he leaves the mound. That supports two-way talent and adds excitement to the sport.
Conclusion
The designated hitter rule shapes the rhythm and strategy of modern Major League Baseball. It separates pitching from hitting, adds offense, and protects pitchers from unnecessary risks. For managers, it opens new ways to build lineups, rest players, and attack matchups. For fans, it means more dangerous bats in every game and fewer automatic outs.
Once you understand how the DH is set, how substitutions work, and how a team can lose the DH, you can follow the flow of almost any MLB game easily. Look for when teams rotate stars through the DH spot, how they use pinch hitters against tough relievers, and whether they try to avoid losing the DH during defensive changes. With the universal DH now standard across the league, every ballpark offers the same rule, and every lineup has one more chance to do damage. That makes the game a little more powerful, a little more strategic in a different way, and, for many fans, a lot more fun to watch.