I was asked this by a coach at a sophomore game. If I change my pitcher and shortstop, for each other in the middle of the inning, from the dugout, when can I flip them back, and am I charged with a visit, or two?
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Yes he can flip them in the middle of the inning. He wouldn't be charged with a visit even if he went out o the mound. Anytime he changes it isn't a visit.
If I elect to switch the pitcher and SS back after the next batter is the returning pitcher allowed warm up pitches?
Depends on the umpire. I would say yes since the rules do not specify a relief pitcher has to be one who didn't pitch that inning. For me, if the new one feels the need to, I will allow it. Better to allow it than run the risk of getting him hurt for no reason.
To answer when the "when can I flip them back", the new pitcher has to complete an entire at-bat or until a pinch hitter comes in. If a pinch hitter is put in after the new pitcher throws at least 1 pitch to the original batter, then pitchers can be switched when pinch hitter is announced.
If the pinch hitter is announced at the time of switch, then the new pitcher has to pitch to the pinch hitter.
To answer when the "when can I flip them back", the new pitcher has to complete an entire at-bat or until a pinch hitter comes in. If a pinch hitter is put in after the new pitcher throws at least 1 pitch to the original batter, then pitchers can be switched when pinch hitter is announced.
If the pinch hitter is announced at the time of switch, then the new pitcher has to pitch to the pinch hitter.
quote:Originally posted by dblinkh1:
If I elect to switch the pitcher and SS back after the next batter is the returning pitcher allowed warm up pitches?
He is absolutely allowed warmup pitches. It should not depend on the umpire, the rules allow it so he should get them if he wants them. If he doesn't want them, that's his choice.