Batting Out of Order
Also known as: batting out of order, batting out of turn, batted out of order, bat out of order, improper batter, skipped in the lineup
If you bat out of order, nothing happens unless the other team appeals. If they appeal while the wrong batter is still up, the right batter steps in and takes over the count. If they appeal after the wrong batter finishes but before the next pitch. The proper batter is out and any advance from the hit is cancelled. Once the next pitch is thrown, the wrong at-bat stands.
The rule is MLB Rule 6.03(b), and Little League uses the same idea in its Rule 6.07(b). The umpire does not warn either team. Both teams have to watch the lineup.
The timing of the appeal decides the ruling. During the at-bat, the proper batter simply replaces the wrong one. After the at-bat but before the next pitch or play, the proper batter is out. Hits, walks and runs that came from the wrong batter are cancelled.
Some advances still count. A runner who moved up on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball during the wrong at-bat keeps the base. If no one appeals before the next pitch, the wrong batter's turn becomes legal. The order picks up with the name after him.
Tips by skill level
Know who you follow in the lineup. Check before you walk to the plate.
If you notice the other team batting out of order, wait until the wrong batter reaches base, then appeal before the next pitch.
Example
A team skips its fifth hitter, and the sixth hitter singles in a run. The other coach appeals before the next pitch. The fifth hitter is called out, the run comes off the board and the runners go back.
Why it matters
Batting out of order can erase a big hit. Knowing when to appeal, and how to fix your own mistake, can swing a close game.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the umpire to catch the mistake
- Appealing after the next pitch, when it is too late
- Not correcting your own error during the at-bat
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you bat out of order?
Only something if the other team appeals. Appeal during the at-bat and the right batter takes over the count. Appeal after it and before the next pitch, and the proper batter is out.
Does the umpire tell you if you bat out of order?
No. Under MLB rules, the umpire does not point out the wrong batter. The teams have to catch it.
Who bats next after batting out of order?
If the proper batter is called out, the batter after him is up next. If the wrong batter's turn becomes legal, the order continues with the name after the wrong batter.
Sources
Related terms
- Situational HittingSituational hitting is matching a hitter's approach to the count, outs, and runners. Swing decisions, target, and aggressiveness change rather than staying fixed.
- Batting Order Roles (Leadoff, Cleanup)A good leadoff hitter gets on base often, sees a lot of pitches and can run. The top of the order is usually the best on-base hitters. The middle, including the cleanup spot in fourth, holds the best power hitters. The bottom has the weaker bats. Some coaches bat their best hitter second because top spots come up most often.
- Mandatory Play and Continuous Batting Order (Little League)Yes. In the Little League regular season, every rostered player present when the game starts must bat at least once. Each must also play at least six defensive outs in the field. In tournament play below the Senior divisions, teams use a continuous batting order, so every player present on the team affidavit bats in turn.
- Designated Hitter (DH)In high school baseball, NFHS Rule 3-1-4 allows a designated hitter in two ways. The DH can be a tenth starter who bats for one of the nine fielders. Or one of the nine starting fielders can also be the DH, playing defense and batting. In MLB, the DH bats only for the pitcher.
- RBI OpportunityAn RBI (run batted in) opportunity is a plate appearance with a runner in scoring position (second or third base). The hitter has a real chance to drive in a run.
Related guides & benchmarks
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