If a team has only eight players at the field, which statement is true?

• A. The game may begin if the head coach verifies the ninth player will be at the game soon.
• B. The game may begin with an out called each time that spot in the batting order comes to bat.
• C. Both B and C.
• D. The game cannot begin until the team has at least nine players.

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is that a baseball game requires nine players on a team at the start. That full lineup is needed so every defensive position can be filled and the batting order can be completed.

Starting with only eight players isn’t allowed because it leaves a defensive position unfilled and an incomplete batting lineup right at the start. There isn’t a permitted way to begin the game with eight players and simply award outs for the missing batter, and the rule doesn’t allow counting on a late-arriving ninth to fix the start. Therefore, the game cannot begin until the team has at least nine players.