fastpitch softball EP & DH

Question
If a team starts with a DH, bats 9 and uses an EP as the pitcher what happens when the DH goes into pitch? I am wondering how a DH can replace an extra player. I thought if they start with 10 in the lineup somehow they must end up with 10 players. Can the DH be both players?

Answer
John,

In high school and ASA you are talking about the Flex/DP rule.  flex player is defense only, DP is offense only.........usually.  any nine of the ten can play defense and no substitution has occured.  if the flex player bats they can only bat for the DP.  In this case a substation has occurred an d the batting order is down to nine.  DP can re-enter with the flex going back to defense only and the line up has returned to 10.  this is not required the game can end with a batting order of nine.