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The designated hitter, or DH, is one of baseball’s most talked-about ideas. If you are new to Major League Baseball (MLB), it can feel confusing at first. Who is the DH? Why does the pitcher not bat? What happens if the DH goes to play defense? In this guide, we’ll break down how the DH works in simple, friendly language. You’ll learn the history behind the rule, how it works during a game, the special cases (including the Shohei Ohtani exception), and why managers love the flexibility it brings. By the end, you’ll be able to watch a game and instantly recognize how the DH shapes strategy, lineups, and the flow of play.
What Is the Designated Hitter (DH)?
The simple definition
The designated hitter is a player who bats in place of the pitcher. Instead of the pitcher stepping into the batter’s box, the DH takes all those plate appearances. The DH is a full member of the lineup, just like any other hitter. He can hit home runs, draw walks, steal bases, and be pinch-hit for. The only difference is that the DH usually does not play defense.
In MLB today, every team uses a DH. That means pitchers almost never bat in regular season games. The DH spot lets teams add one more strong hitter to the lineup while keeping pitchers focused on pitching.
Why MLB created it
The DH was created to boost offense and improve entertainment. Pitchers, as a group, are poor hitters because they spend nearly all their time training to pitch. The DH increases scoring, adds excitement, and helps pitchers avoid injuries that can happen while batting or running the bases. It also gives clubs a way to extend the careers of great hitters who might not field as well anymore.
A Short History of the DH in MLB
American League adopts DH in 1973
The American League (AL) adopted the designated hitter in 1973. The goal was to increase offense and draw fans. From that point on, AL pitchers did not bat; the DH hit instead. This change created an immediate difference between the AL and the National League (NL), which continued to have pitchers bat.
National League without DH for decades
The National League played without a DH for a long time. In NL games (before 2022), the pitcher batted, which led to more bunting, double switches, and pinch-hitting decisions. Many fans enjoyed the extra strategy, while others preferred the higher scoring seen in the AL.
The universal DH (2022)
MLB introduced the universal DH in 2022. Now, both leagues use the DH in all regular season and postseason games. This change ended the long-standing difference between AL and NL rules. Today, when you watch any MLB game, you should expect a designated hitter in the lineup for each team.
The Shohei Ohtani exception
There is a special twist added with the universal DH era. A starting pitcher who is also listed as the team’s DH can continue to bat as the DH even after leaving the mound. This is often called the “Ohtani rule” because it lets a two-way star like Shohei Ohtani pitch and hit in the same game without losing his bat when he stops pitching.
How the DH Works, Step by Step
Before the game: the lineup card
Before first pitch, each manager fills out a lineup card with nine hitters. One of those hitters is the DH. The DH is assigned a batting order position just like everyone else. The pitcher is listed as the pitcher, not as a hitter.
Once the lineup card is given to the umpires, it becomes official. That card tells you who the DH is, where he bats in the order, and which players are in the field.
During the game: the DH bats, pitcher does not
When the DH’s spot comes up, the DH hits. When the pitcher’s spot would normally come up (in a non-DH game), there is no such spot because the DH is already filling it. In other words, the pitcher never appears in the batting order when a DH is used. If the team changes pitchers, the DH still bats for the new pitcher too.
Who can be the DH?
Any position player can be the designated hitter. Teams often choose a strong hitter who is not playing defense that day. Some teams use a full-time DH, a player who mostly hits and rarely takes the field. Others rotate players through the DH spot to give them a “half-rest” day, keeping the bat in the lineup without the extra wear and tear of fielding.
Substitutions and Special Cases (Plain-English Guide)
Pinch-hitting for the DH
A manager can pinch-hit for the DH. If that happens, the pinch-hitter becomes the new DH. The original DH is out of the game, and the pitcher still does not bat. This swap does not remove the DH role; it just changes the person filling that role.
DH takes the field on defense
If the manager moves the DH into a defensive position, the team loses the DH for the rest of the game. The fielder who gets replaced by the DH is out of the game. From that point on, the pitcher (or whoever is pitching) must bat in the DH’s original spot in the lineup. That is a big reason managers do this only when they really need to, such as because of injuries or late-game strategy.
DH becomes the pitcher
If the DH goes to the mound and becomes the pitcher, the team also loses the DH. The pitcher then must bat in the lineup. This is rare, but it can happen in unusual situations. The exception is when the starting pitcher was also listed as the DH at the beginning of the game. In that special case, he can remain the DH after he stops pitching.
Pitcher is used as a hitter
Managers can choose not to use a DH and bat the pitcher instead, but that is extremely uncommon in today’s MLB. More often, if you see a pitcher bat in a DH game, it’s because the team lost the DH earlier by moving the DH to a defensive spot. From then on, the current pitcher (or any relief pitcher who enters) must take that batting order spot.
Double switches and the DH
In games without a DH, managers often use a “double switch” to move the pitcher’s batting spot in the order. With a DH in place, double switches are less common and generally not needed. If a team loses the DH mid-game, managers might use substitutions similar to a no-DH game, but you cannot do a double switch to “recreate” the DH. Once the DH is gone, it’s gone for the rest of that game.
Position player pitching and the DH
Sometimes a position player will pitch in a blowout. If there is still a DH in the game, that DH now hits for the new pitcher too. If the team had already lost the DH, the player who is pitching (even if he is normally a shortstop or outfielder) will take the pitcher’s spot in the batting order and must bat when that spot comes up.
Two-way players and the Ohtani rule
Two-way players can pitch and hit. With the Ohtani rule, if a player is listed as both the starting pitcher and the DH, he can keep hitting as the DH even after the team brings in a relief pitcher. This keeps a star hitter in the game longer without forcing the pitcher to hit.
Strategy: Why Managers Like the DH
More offense, more runs
Swapping a pitcher’s bat for a real hitter raises a team’s average production. Pitchers tend to strike out often and rarely reach base, while a DH can add power and on-base skills. More offense changes how games feel and increases big moments like home runs and rallies.
Because both teams now use the DH, games are more consistent. Managers can build lineups around nine hitters, plan matchups, and avoid the “automatic out” feeling that sometimes came with pitchers at the plate.
Protecting pitchers
Pitching is demanding and risky. The DH keeps pitchers off the bases and out of the batter’s box, reducing chances of injury from swings, hit-by-pitches, or awkward slides. It also lets pitchers focus their practice time on pitching instead of hitting.
Roster flexibility and rest days
The DH spot can be a valuable rest tool. A star fielder can take a day off from defense but still help the lineup as the DH. This helps players stay healthy across a long season. It also allows managers to keep multiple good bats active at the same time, even if one is not a strong defender.
Platoons and matchups
Managers often use the DH to create favorable matchups. Against a tough right-handed pitcher, a team might pick a left-handed hitter with power to DH. The next day, they might choose a right-handed DH to counter a left-handed pitcher. The extra lineup spot makes it easier to play to strengths and hide weaknesses.
Late-game tactics change
Before the universal DH, National League managers frequently pinch-hit for the pitcher in key spots, which led to more in-game moving parts and quick bullpen calls. With the DH, there is less pressure to pull a pitcher for offense. That can keep starters on the mound longer and reduce mid-inning chaos. It also changes bullpen planning because managers do not need to time pitching changes around the pitcher’s next plate appearance.
How the DH Changes the Numbers
Pitcher hitting versus DH hitting
Historically, pitchers hit far below average. Their on-base percentage and slugging were usually the lowest on the team. A DH, by design, is an above-average hitter. This gap adds up over a season. Replacing weak pitcher at-bats with better ones adds runs, and runs win games.
You will see some teams build lineups with a DH who hits for power, while other teams use a high on-base DH to spark rallies. Either way, the overall offensive output is better than a pitcher hitting.
Effects on ERA and bullpen use
Because pitchers no longer bat, starters may pitch deeper into games without being pulled for a pinch-hitter. That can help starters’ rhythm and reduce bullpen wear. On the flip side, facing an extra strong hitter instead of a pitcher can make innings more stressful. Teams have to work through nine real bats, which can slightly raise run environments, even if pitching depth and analytics balance things out.
Career length and milestones
Some great hitters extend their careers by becoming DHs as they age. A player who struggles defensively but still hits at a high level can keep helping his team. This is how several stars have piled up extra home runs and RBIs late in their careers. The DH gives teams a way to keep the bat in the lineup when the glove slows down.
Famous DHs and Examples
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez is often the first name mentioned in DH history. He combined elite discipline with gap power and became a model of what a DH can be. His success helped prove that DHs can be Hall of Fame players, not just part-time sluggers.
David Ortiz
David Ortiz became a legend in Boston as a DH. His clutch postseason heroics and steady power made him one of the most feared hitters of his era. Ortiz also showed how a full-time DH can be a team leader and a face of the franchise.
Nelson Cruz and others
Nelson Cruz has delivered consistent power into his late 30s and 40s thanks in part to time at DH. Other standout DHs in recent years have included J.D. Martinez, Giancarlo Stanton, and Yordan Alvarez. Different teams use the role in different ways, but the common thread is impact hitting.
Shohei Ohtani as a modern twist
Shohei Ohtani is a unique two-way star. With the Ohtani rule, he can pitch and still hit as the DH after leaving the mound. This keeps his bat in the lineup for more plate appearances and makes Angels and Dodgers games must-see TV when he takes the field.
Common Misunderstandings
Is the DH a 10th player?
No. The DH is one of the nine hitters in the lineup. He replaces the pitcher’s batting role but does not add a 10th spot. The team still has nine batters and nine spots in the order.
Can the DH bat for anyone?
In MLB, the DH bats for the pitcher and all pitchers who appear in the game. He does not bat for other position players. Some other levels of baseball have different rules, but in MLB the DH is strictly tied to the pitcher’s batting spot.
Does the home team’s league still matter?
Not anymore. Before 2022, interleague games followed the home league’s rules—DH in AL parks, no DH in NL parks. With the universal DH, every MLB game uses a DH, no matter the ballpark.
How the DH Looks in Real Games: Mini Scenarios
Routine MLB game with a DH
The manager lists a DH in the starting lineup, batting fifth. The pitcher takes the mound but does not bat. Late in the game, the manager pinch-hits for the DH with a left-handed slugger against a tough righty reliever. The pinch-hitter becomes the new DH. The pitcher still does not bat, and the lineup continues as normal.
When a manager gives up the DH
Suppose a team is short on infielders because of injury. In the seventh inning, the manager moves the DH to play first base. The first baseman leaves the game. The team now loses the DH for the rest of the game. From the DH’s next turn onward, the pitcher (or whoever is pitching) must bat in that lineup spot. Managers rarely choose this path unless they are forced to by unusual circumstances or see a late-game defensive advantage that outweighs the lost offense.
Interleague play today
Before 2022, the DH rules changed depending on the ballpark. Today, the universal DH makes interleague games consistent. Fans do not need to wonder whether the pitcher will bat. The DH is always part of the game plan.
Youth, College, and Minor Leagues
NCAA DH differences
College baseball often allows the DH to bat for a defensive player other than the pitcher, depending on the level and rules being used. That is different from MLB, where the DH bats for the pitcher only. If you watch college games, you may see more flexible DH usage, including cases where a pitcher also hits as a separate lineup spot.
Minor leagues and development
The minor leagues generally mirror MLB rules, especially after the universal DH was introduced. This helps prospects get used to the MLB environment. It also gives teams a chance to rest players by DHing them, and it gives hitters focused bats against pro pitching without the extra strain of defense on certain days.
Pros and Cons Debate
Purists’ view
Some fans prefer baseball without a DH because it forces managers to make more decisions, like when to pinch-hit for the pitcher. They enjoy the extra strategy and the traditional idea that every player should hit and field. They also believe that bunting and double switches add depth to the game’s chess match.
Modern view
Others support the DH because it increases offense, keeps pitchers healthy, and lets stars stay in the lineup longer. They see the DH as a smart evolution that reflects how specialized pitching has become. With the universal DH, MLB chose consistency and entertainment value. Most players, managers, and front offices have embraced the change.
Tips for New Fans Watching With a DH
What to watch in the lineup
Before the first pitch, find the DH on the lineup card and note his spot in the batting order. Ask yourself: Is this a full-time DH known for power? Or is the manager using the DH to rest a regular fielder while keeping his bat in the game? This simple step helps you predict how the team might score runs and what pinch-hit options exist later.
Spotting DH usage patterns
Watch how teams rotate players through the DH spot across a series. Some managers give veterans a “DH day” after night games. Others plug in a hot bat to keep a streak alive. Pay attention to late-inning moves, too. If a pinch-hitter replaces the DH against a tough reliever, it often signals an all-in push for runs at a key moment.
Putting It All Together: The DH in One Game
From first pitch to final out
At game time, the DH is part of the nine-man lineup. He bats like everyone else, but he does not play the field. The pitcher focuses on pitching. If injuries or strategy cause the DH to take the field, the team loses the DH and the pitcher must bat in that order spot from then on. The manager can pinch-hit for the DH without losing the DH role—whoever pinch-hits becomes the new DH. If the starting pitcher is also listed as the DH, he can continue to hit after he stops pitching thanks to the special rule for two-way players.
These simple parts explain most of what you will see in a modern MLB game. The DH boosts offense, gives managers options, and keeps pitchers safe. While there are rare exceptions and tricky substitution chains, the basics are clear once you watch a few innings with an eye on the lineup card.
Conclusion
Why the DH matters
The designated hitter changed the shape of MLB. It put better hitters in the box, reduced pitcher injuries from batting, and gave managers new strategic choices. After years of debate between the two leagues, the universal DH brought consistency to every ballpark. Today, the DH is central to how teams build rosters and win games.
The rule, in plain terms
The DH bats for the pitcher. He is part of the nine-man lineup, and he can be pinch-hit for without losing the DH spot—the pinch-hitter simply becomes the new DH. If the DH takes a defensive position, the team loses the DH and the pitcher (or whoever is pitching) must bat in the DH’s place for the rest of the game. A rare but important exception lets a starting pitcher who is also listed as the DH continue to hit as the DH after he stops pitching.
What this means for fans
As a fan, the DH keeps the game flowing with stronger lineups and more consistent offense. It also makes it easier to follow late-inning choices because managers usually do not have to juggle pinch-hits for pitchers. Once you understand the few key substitution rules, the DH becomes simple: more hitters hit, pitchers pitch, and your team can keep its best bats in big moments. The DH is here to stay—and knowing how it works lets you enjoy modern baseball with clear eyes and a sharper sense of strategy.