The role of the designated hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when which event occurs?

• A. The DH assumes a defensive position.
• B. When a pinch-runner is used for the DH.
• C. When the DH is ejected for arguing a strike three call.
• D. A, B and C.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that the designated hitter is a batting-only role. It exists for as long as the same player stays in the lineup as a hitter and does not take the field defensively. Once that player steps onto the field to play defense, the designated-hitter designation ends for the rest of the game. At that point, normal batting rules apply and someone else will bat in the pitcher’s spot.

Using a pinch-runner for the designated hitter only changes who runs the bases; it does not move the DH off his batting role, so the designated-hitter status remains in effect. Ejection of the designated hitter is handled by substitution, but it doesn’t automatically mean the game continues with a DH in that spot for the remainder—another player would take over the batting duties. Therefore, the event that terminates the designated-hitter role for the rest of the game is when the designated hitter assumes a defensive position.