How does the double switch work in the N.L. ?

Question

I know that the switch is done to have a better hitter hit in place of the pitcher, but i dont understand why the managers dont just pinch-hit for the pitcher?

Answer 1

a double switch is used when the pitcher's spot is due up when the team on defense is up next - if the manager feels like the pitcher cannot finish the inning, he will bring a position player in to fill the pitcher's hitting spot (usually 9th) - that way when the team is up, they have a position player up there to try to score runs if he brought in a pitcher to fill the pitcher's spot, they might have to pinch hit and then you can't use that pitcher anymore - the new pitcher that comes in is then placed in the position player's spot (usually a spot that just hit in the prior half innning) - that way the pitcher will not hit for at least 2 innings - it helps the manager to use a pitcher longer instead of bringing in a pitcher to face 2 or 3 hitters and then having to pinch hit for him when they come up on offense - hope that helps

Answer 2

It is usually done when the pitcher's spot (usually #9) is coming up in the next inning and the manager wants the relief pitcher out there for more than one inning.

Here's an example: suppose it's the top of the 7th inning and the manager wants to put in a relief pitcher. In the bottom of the inning, he knows that the #9, #1, and #2 batters will be up. If he did a regular switch, then the pitcher would have to be taken out for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the inning. However, if he does a double switch, taking out both the starting pitcher (#9 spot) and another player (say, an outfielder batting in the #8 spot), then he can substitute the pitcher for the #8 spot player and the new outfielder in the #9 spot. That way, unless his team manages to send 9 players up in the inning, he can have the relief pitcher out there for more than one inning because he won't be lifted for a pinch hitter.

Answer 3

By making the double switch, you change where the pitcher is in the batting order. That way, the new pitcher may be able to pitch more innings before he comes up to bat and has to be pinch hit for.