Can a pitcher switch arms against the same batter?

Question

At least one pitcher who was right handed pitched an inning left handed at the end of his career. What do the rules allow? Can a pitcher switch arms against the same batter? Can he switch arms during the same inning? same game?

Answer 1

MLB states that no, a pitcher cannot switch arms during a batter's plate appearance. He must commit to one arm, and so indicate, prior to the batter taking his position in the box.

If the pitcher prefers to throw with the other arm next time the batter is up, that's fine.

Answer 2

Here is a link to the section on pitchers from the Official Rules of Major League Baseball:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/pitcher_8.jsp

It's a bit of a lengthy read, but I see nothing in the rules that would prevent a pither from switching up hands while pitching; either to one player, or during an inning, or at any time during the game.

Answer 3

MLB rules dictate that a pitcher is free to choose whichever arm he pleases to pitch to a batter. But once he makes a pitch with that hand he must stick with it until the at-bat is over. He can then switch arms against the next batter.

Answer 4

Well there was a kid who went to Craighton and he was ambidextrous, and they made a rule that you cannot switch your pitching arm against the same batter.

Answer 5

Yes they can switch arms in the middle of a batter/inning/game, but it is very unlikely because if the batter was a switch hitter, he could switch too.

Answer 6

Yes. There is actually a guy in the minors somewhere who does. He has a glove which can fit both hands.

Answer 7

dang bob wut dont u no... ur like #1 in the hockey section and ive seen u tons of times in da baseball section...