Designated player in high school

Question
Can the designated player start the game on defense.  For example can you decide to let the designated player play 3B at the beginning of the game while the 3B (not the flex) is in the dugout.  The flex is in right field.

Answer
Hi Pam,

In ASA play they DP may play defense for any player at any position.  Should the DP play defense for any player other than the flex that player continues to bat but not play defense and is not considered to have left the game.

While the dp and the flex can never be on offense at the same time they can be on defense at the same time.

So the answer to the question is yes.

Mark