dp/flex rule

Question
I'd like to have my #2 pitcher ready as the Flex but not start her on defense. For example: My Left Fielder is listed as the DP on my line up card. She plays both offense and defense. My back up pitcher is listed as the flex. My #1 pitcher starts the game. She gets into trouble and I move her to left field, move my DP to offense only, and bring in my #2 pitcher on defense as my flex now entering the game. Can I do this?

Answer
Hi Stacey,

Well you can but you will pay a price for it.  Since we have to declare at the beginning of the game you are using a DP/Flex you have 10 listed on your lineup.

The Flex plays defense and the DP bats for the Flex.  The DP can also play defense and if it is for the Flex you go from 10 to 9 and this is considered a substitution for the Flex. You must inform the PU. You will have to re-enter the Flex player, inform PU, and should you again do a Flex substitute, that particular player would be out of the game.  

In other words by doing this you give up a re-entry since you only put the Flex in to play defense once and then if you pull her, she's done.

Mark


I have an add to the answer on this one and while I did respond to it, sometimes my answer doesn't make it, so I'm putting my answer to it here, just in case,

Hi Tom,

That's not what I have in ASA.  "RS 15 g  The Flex may be replaced on the defense by the DP.  This reduces the game from ten to 9."

ASA 4-3-e...If the DP plays defense for the Flex the Flex is considered to have left the game ...This reduces the game from 10 to 9. The Flex can re-enter the game.  

If we reduce from 10 to 9 the flex has left the game and can re-enter, this is considered a substitution for the Flex.

Mark

plus i'll add here RS15-L If the DP replaces the Flex of the Flex replaces the Dp, the change must be reported to the umpire.  If not reported the change is treated as an unreported substitute.