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What Is A Double Switch In Baseball? (With Examples)

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

If you're wondering what is a double switch in baseball, you're not alone. A double switch is a strategic move that can make a significant impact on the outcome of a baseball game. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about this baseball term, including how it works, when it's used, and some famous moments in baseball history that involved double switches.


In baseball, managers execute a double switch to simultaneously replace the starting pitcher and another fielder. This strategically rearranges the batting order. Managers use this strategy to postpone the pitcher's spot and place a stronger hitter in a favorable lineup spot.


The second player, often a position player, will then take the pitcher's position in the batting order. The result positions a new pitcher, typically a relief pitcher, further down in the batting lineup and potentially strengthens the defensive setup on the field.


While we aim to explain the double switch, this strategy has become less common since the National League adopted the designated hitter rule.

When And Why Managers Use Them

MLB managers often use a double switch in the late innings of close games when they expect the current pitcher to only last a few more innings. The switch allows the manager to make a pitching change and bring in a fresh arm from the bullpen. It also allows them to strategically place the best defensive players in positions that are more likely to see action.


Managers can also use double switches to help balance the team's offensive and defensive capabilities. A team can use a double switch to replace a poor hitter while also placing stronger defenders in the optimal defensive positions. This is especially true if the weaker hitter is due up soon and a defensive player who can make a significant impact is available.

 

How a Double Switch Works in Terms of Player Substitutions

To make a double switch work, the manager chooses two different players to swap positions and brings in a new pitcher to replace the outgoing pitcher. The player who is switching positions moves to the new spot in the batting order. The new player then takes over the outgoing player's defensive position.


Managers most commonly use the double switch when a pitching change is needed, and the pitcher is due up to bat, but the team's best hitters will not be up for a while. This situation often calls for a pinch hitter strategy, where substituting the pitcher with a pinch hitter can significantly increase the team's chances of scoring runs. Additionally, by substituting a player who is better at a particular position, the team can improve their defensive capabilities and chances of getting outs.


The move used to be more of an important part of the NL and rarely used in the American League. However, with the institution of the DH in the National League, that is no longer the case. The reason for this is that the designated hitter rule eliminates the advantages of the double switch. When managers used double switches more frequently, they had several additional scenarios to employ this strategy.

Scenarios:

Player 1 - A pitcher who is scheduled to bat in the next inning. The manager could replace an outgoing pitcher, who is scheduled to hit, with a pinch-hitter, who would then take their place in the lineup.

Player 2 - A new position player comes in to pinch hit for player 1

Player 3 - The position player makes the last out of the inning and is replaced by an incoming pitcher. The reasoning behind this would be that the pitcher wouldn't come up in the lineup for another 8 batters making the chances of them having to hit, very unlikely.

Player 4 - The pitcher who comes in to replace player 1. Player 2 comes in to field in place of player 3 who just made the last out of the inning.

Double Switch Strategy

Executing a double switch requires the manager to weigh multiple strategic elements. These include the game's score, the bullpen's depth, the skill levels of the players involved, and the inning. The manager must also forecast how the switch will affect the team's offensive and defensive capabilities.

 

One aspect of this strategy is to initiate the double switch while on defense. One aspect of this strategy is to initiate the double switch while on defense. This strategically delays the pitcher’s spot to later in the game, allowing for a defensive replacement that can strengthen the team's fielding. Additionally, the manager must consider the opposing team's batting order to decide the timing of the switch and select the players best suited for the position swaps.

Common mistakes to avoid when making a double switch in baseball?
  1. Neglecting the Batting Order: It's crucial for the manager to keep the batting order in mind, placing the substitutes in their intended spots to prevent lineup confusion and the risk of an automatic out.
     
  2. Overcomplicating the Strategy: Simplicity is often key. Overcomplicating the switch with excessive substitutions or employing it in inappropriate situations can be detrimental to the team's performance.
     
  3. Disregarding Defensive Skills: A player's defensive ability should be a significant consideration during a double switch. Introducing a weaker defender can be costly in terms of runs allowed.
     
  4. Poor Communication: Clear communication with all baseball players involved in the double switch is essential. Without it, the risk of in-game errors and misunderstandings increases, which can negatively impact the team's dynamics and performance.

Memorable Double Switches In Baseball History

Double switches have played a role in many historic Major League baseball moments. One of the most famous double switches occurred in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly made a double switch that ultimately helped his team win the championship.


In the top of the eighth inning, defensive substitution, Kelly replaced pitcher Kevin Tapani with closer Rick Aguilera. He made a double switch, by bringing in outfielder Gene Larkin to replace outfielder Chili Davis and take over as DH. He also moved second baseman Chuck Knoblauch to shortstop and inserted Al Newman at second base. This double switch ended up being crucial. Larkin came up to bat in the bottom of the 10th inning and hit a game-winning RBI.

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Is It Possible To Double Switch A Designated Hitter (DH)?

The designated hitter role, introduced in 1973, has stirred debate among baseball fans, with opinions divided on its impact on the game's strategy. While the DH was initially exclusive to the American League and used by the National League (NL) only during interleague play at AL parks, the NL has now embraced the rule, sparing pitchers from batting, with notable exceptions like Shohei Ohtani.


The DH's introduction has undeniably altered baseball dynamics. The choice lies between relinquishing the DH role, compelling the pitcher to bat, or allowing the incoming player to take over as the DH. This decision can significantly influence the game's strategy and outcome.

What Makes It Different From A Regular Substitution

A double switch is similar to a regular type of player substitution, but there are some key differences. One of the main differences is that a double switch allows you to make two changes at once. A regular substitution only allows for one change.

 

Another difference is that the switch can move the batting order around, unlike a regular substitution. One final difference is that a regular substitution can replace the DH spot with a substitute player.

Final Thoughts

The double switch allows managers to adjust both player positions and the batting order, keeping the lineup effective. While it’s often tied to pitching changes, it can involve other position players too.

 

We’ve explored how the double switch works, why it’s used, and when it’s most effective. While it’s become less common with the designated hitter now in both leagues, it’s still a valuable part of baseball’s strategic playbook.

 

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, understanding the double switch adds depth to your appreciation of baseball strategy. Next time it happens, you’ll know exactly what’s at play!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a double switch?

It's a move where a manager swaps out two players at once. This is done to improve the batting lineup and fielding without the pitcher batting soon.

Why do major league managers use a double switch?

To replace a poor hitter in the lineup and strengthen the defense without the pitcher coming up to bat too quickly.

Has the DH rule in the National League changed the double switch?

Yes, with the DH now in both leagues, the double-switch is less common. However, it is still used for strategic fielding and batting order changes.

What mistakes should managers avoid in a double switch?

Managers should not mess up the batting order, overcomplicate the switch, ignore defense, or fail to communicate with players.

Is the double switch unique to any league?

It was more common in the National League but is possible in both leagues, even with the universal DH rule.

What role does an umpire play?

In a baseball double switch, the home plate umpire ensures that the defensive substitutions and changes in the batting order comply with the rules.

Do double switches occur in extra innings?

Double switches can occur in extra innings, especially in situations where a team needs to optimize its lineup for both offensive and defensive purposes, balancing the need for strong hitters and skilled fielders.