Flex/Designated Player Rules in Baseball: Coaching Strategies

Question
Can a coach designate a hitter for the pitcher if she has a great arm and a mediocre bat?

Answer
Mack,

Yes this can be done.  In ASA and high school there is the Flex/DP rule.  It is similar to but not the same as the DH in the MLB American League.

In its most basic sense, you have 10 players in the line up.  The first nine bat and the tenth player plays defense only.  In your case they could be listed as Flex/1.  The DP can be anywhere in the line up and only bats.  There is much more to this rule but these are the basics and it does provide for a designated hitter.

Tom