Designated Hitter (DH)
Also known as: designated hitter, designated hitter rule, DH rule, how does the designated hitter work, pitcher DH, player 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.
The two-way high school option was added for the 2020 season. It lets a pitcher who leaves the mound keep batting. It also lets coaches give another player a chance to play defense.
In MLB, Rule 5.11 covers the DH. The DH must be chosen before the game and listed on the lineup card. A team that does not name one cannot use one later in that game. The DH must bat at least once unless the other team changes pitchers.
Both MLB leagues have used the DH since 2022. A starting pitcher can also be his own DH. If he leaves as pitcher, he can stay in as the DH. If the DH moves into the field, the team loses the DH for the rest of the game.
Tips by skill level
If you are the DH, stay loose between at-bats. You will not warm up in the field each inning.
In high school, the player-DH option keeps a strong bat in the lineup after a pitcher comes out. Plan it before the game starts.
Example
A high school ace starts on the mound and is listed as his own DH. After five innings, he leaves the mound. He keeps his spot in the lineup and bats again in the sixth.
Why it matters
The DH changes how coaches build a lineup and manage pitchers. Knowing the rule helps players understand their role.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to name the DH before the game
- Moving the DH into the field without knowing the DH role ends
- Assuming high school and MLB DH rules are the same
Frequently asked questions
How does the designated hitter work in high school?
There are two options under NFHS Rule 3-1-4. The DH can bat for one of the nine fielders as a tenth starter. Or a starting fielder can be his own DH.
Can a pitcher be the DH?
Yes. In high school, any starting fielder, including the pitcher, can also be the DH. In MLB, a starting pitcher can be his own DH and stay in to hit after he leaves the mound.
What happens if the DH plays in the field in MLB?
He keeps his spot in the batting order, but the team loses the DH for the rest of the game. The pitcher then bats in the lineup.
Sources
Related terms
- 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.
- Two-Way PlayerA two-way player both pitches and plays a position (or hits regularly) at a competitive level instead of specializing in one role.
- Pitch Count LimitA pitch count limit is a maximum number of pitches a player is allowed to throw in a single game or appearance. It is set by league rules based on age, and usually paired with required rest days before pitching again.
- Batting Out of OrderIf 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.
- 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.
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