Dh for anybody in the line-up?

Question

I'm not a fan of the DH but why can't you DH for anybody not just the pitcher?.Theres some good hitting pitchers out there

Answer 1

Because the rule says so.

Also, the DH rule does not require that a team use it. If a team has an exceptionally good hitting pitcher, the manager can forgo the DH and use the pitcher in the batting lineup.

As for using the DH for any fielder, this can be done at the high school level. But when you reach the majors, just about any fielder is a better hitter than the pitcher.

Answer 2

in short, in the majors and minors the DH only bats for the pitcher, in most amatuer ball you can use the DH for any position.

Answer 3

According to MLB rules:

6.10
Any League may elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule.
(a) In the event of inter-league competition between clubs of Leagues using the Designated Hitter Rule and clubs of Leagues not using the Designated Hitter Rule, the rule will be used as follows:
1. In World Series or exhibition games, the rule will be used or not used as is the practice of the home team.
2. In All-Star games, the rule will only be used if both teams and both Leagues so agree.
(b) The Rule provides as follows:
A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and allsubsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. A Designated Hitter for the pitcher must be selected prior to the game and must be includedin the lineup cards presented to the Umpire in Chief.
The designated hitter named in the starting lineup must come to bat at least one time, unless the opposing club changes pitchers.
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 game.
Pinch hitters for a Designated Hitter may be used. Any substitute hitter for a Designated Hitter becomes the Designated Hitter. A replaced Designated Hitter shall not re-enter the game in any capacity.
The Designated Hitter may be used defensively, continuing to bat in the same position in the batting order, but the pitcher must then bat in the place of the substituted defensive player, unless more than one substitution is made, and the manager then must designate their spots in the batting order.
A runner may be substituted for the Designated Hitter and the runner assumes the role of Designated Hitter. A Designated Hitter may not pinch run.
A Designated Hitter is “locked” into the batting order. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation of the Designated Hitter.
Once the game pitcher is switched from the mound to a defensive position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game.
Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the batting order and then enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game.
Once the game pitcher bats for the Designated Hitter this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game. (The game pitcher may only pinch-hit for the Designated Hitter.)
Once a Designated Hitter assumes a defensive position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game. A substitute for the Designated Hitter need not be announced until it is the Designated Hitter’s turn to bat.

Answer 4

There is no set rule for whom the DH can hit for in the lineup but he has been traditionally the pitcher because of their low batting average due to lack of practice in the batting cage and the ability to spice up the game .

Answer 5

i believe there is no written rule on who you have to DH for, it's just that everyone does for the pitcher. there are some good hitting pitchers out there, but if they're in the AL, you would only be able to see them in interleague games.

Answer 6

the dh rule does not apply to just pitchers its just that they are usally the worst hitters on the team

Answer 7

Katalex says it all.

Answer 8

double switdh