5.11(a)The Designated Hitter Rule provides as follows:
(1) A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher
and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise
affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. A
Designated Hitter for the pitcher, if any, must be selected
prior to the game and must be included in the lineup cards
presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. If a manager lists 10
players in his team’s lineup card, but fails to indicate one
as the Designated Hitter, and an umpire or either manager
(or designee of either manager who presents his team’s
lineup card) notices the error before the umpire-in-chief
calls “Play” to start the game, the umpire-in-chief shall
direct the manager who had made the omission to designate
which of the nine players, other than the pitcher, will
be the Designated Hitter.
5.11(a)(3) It is not mandatory that a club designate a hitter for the
pitcher, but failure to do so prior to the game precludes
the use of a Designated Hitter for that club for that
game.
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