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[Steve McNeill]

Some DP/FLEX Rule Notes

DP/FLEX RULE ADOPTED (3-3-6)
? Designated Player (DP)/FLEX Rule replaces the DH Rule.
? DP/FLEX Rule allows for more participation and flexibility in the game.
--- Gives coaches more options:
--- Not to use the DP/FLEX at all,
--- Use it to the same extent as the DH was used, or
? Use the DP/FLEX option to its fullest extent.
? If the DP/FLEX is to be used, it must be noted on the starting lineup.
? A team using the DP starts the game with 10, but could end with nine or 10.

A. DP/FLEX - THE LINEUP CARD
? The DP is the offensive player and must remain in same batting position for entire game.
? The name of the player for whom the DP is batting (FLEX) is placed in the 10th position in the lineup.
? If replaced by a substitute, the DP position remains in the lineup.
? A starting DP may re-enter one time, as long as the DP returns to the original position in the batting order.

B. SUBSTITUTING FOR THE DP
? The DP may be replaced by:
--- Pinch-runner
--- Pinch-hitter
--- FLEX
? In all cases, the DP has left the game, with one re-entry permitted.

C. THE FLEX MAY PLAY OFFENSE
? If the FLEX bats or runs for the DP, the DP leaves the game and is entitled to one re-entry.
? The lineup is reduced to nine players.

D. THE DP MAY RE-ENTER
? If the DP re-enters to bat, the FLEX returns to the No. 10 position, returns to playing defense only and has never left the game.

E. THE DP MAY PLAY DEFENSE FOR THE FLEX
? The DP may play defense for the FLEX.
? If the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX has left the game.
? The lineup is reduced to nine players.

F. THE DP MAY PLAY DEFENSE FOR ANY PLAYER
? The DP may also play defense at any position.
? If the DP plays defense for a player other than the FLEX, that player still bats and has not left the game.

G. ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
? The FLEX may not go into one of the first nine positions for someone other than the DP.
? An illegal substitution results.

H. KEY POINTS
? The role of the DP/FLEX is never terminated.
? A team may go from 10 to nine players and back to 10 any number of times during the game.
? The game may end with 10 or nine players.

I. EASY REMINDERS
? The DP can never be on defense only.
? The FLEX can never be on offense only.
? The DP and the FLEX can never be on offense at the same time.
? The DP and the FLEX CAN play defense at the same time. .
PostSun Mar 26, 2006 1:30 pm

Thanks to Barton for giving permission to reprint this from his post at:  http://www.umpire.or...iewtopic&t=1494 on the "Umpire's Resource Center Forum.