Question about pitchers hitting in the AL?

Question

If you have a pitcher that is an ace right like totally nasty stuff and say a 103 mph fastball but this guy can also hit like 60 homers a year. Can he hit when he pitches in a game if he's in the AL? Just was wondering about this because there might be someone like the Babe coming through the systems someday.

Answer 1

Yes, a manager can elect to have his pitcher hit like in the NL and not use a DH for the game. If the manager hands a lineup card to the umpire at the beginning of the game and does not have a DH in the lineup, they cannot use a DH later in the game, but would have to pinch hit, as in the NL.

We've seen that a few times in the past. At the end of the season when a team has clinched the division, sometimes a manager will give his pitchers a chance to hit in preparation for when they get to the WS.

EDIT: I realized that the practice of foregoing the DH in preparation of the WS probably hasn't been done since they started interleague play.

Answer 2

Yes he can. The DH is used basically every single game because no pitcher can hit 60 HR's a year. If this 103 MPH 60 HR guy does come along, he'll probably be turned into a Babe Ruth (aka not a pitcher) though, so he can hit in more than 1 out of 5 games. And with 103 MPH, I'd say he'd turn into an outfielder.

Answer 3

actually, the manager has the ability to DH anyone on his team, so if this amazing hitting pitcher would ever to come along and the team had say a gold glove caliber shortstop that couldnt find the Mendoza line with a map then he could be DH'd while the pitcher hit. A few years ago the Brewers had a relief pitcher that also lead their team in pinch hit home runs and played some outfield in the majors, Brooks Kieshnick. And if you go back even further, some teams actually believe Mark McGwire would be a better pitcher in the majors than he would a hitter coming out of college.

Answer 4

The rules in the AL do allow a pitcher to bat. The manager has the option of using a DH or not at the start of the game and then has to stick with that for the whole game. Of course, they pretty much always do just that.
I'm not a fan of the DH. I miss great-hitting pitchers in the AL like Gary Peters & Earl Wilson.

Answer 5

The DH is an optional rule. He can be in the line-up as DH, but if he moves to the field, then the pitcher must bat or the team must use a pinch hitter. The DH could also, become the pitcher, but then the team forfeits their DH. Rumors say the DH rule is going away by 2009, but until the players union agrees to putting these DH's out of work or sending them back to the field, don't expect it to pass the next collective bargaining talks.

Answer 6

maximum of them do not hit too properly yet others have had some fulfillment.Like very last 365 days I keep in innovations in Zack Greinke's first MLB at bat ever (he's an AL pitcher) he hit a house run so i imagine the gamers who hit in severe college have some journey yet for the most area they are not solid.

Answer 7

No, pitchers in the AL do not bat. That is why they have a DH. They could however put him in the lineup on a day when he isnt pitching, but most teams would either pitch the guy or have him bat.. not both. Babe didnt really hit homeruns until he started playing the outfield

Answer 8

of course - it is up to the manager to set the line-up. There is no set rule against pitchers hitting. In fact if the AL team plays a NL team the pitcher has to hit. (if they are in the NL park)

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Answer 9

They Bat If There Opponent Is A National League Team And The Ameriacan League Team Is The Away Team.

Answer 10

Yes he can. He can be put into the hitting lineup as a designated hitter and can hit anywhere in the lineup the manager puts him.

Chow!!