designated hitter

noun

Baseball.

1. a hitter selected prior to the start of the game to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers without otherwise affecting the status of the pitchers in the game. DH, dh

Word History and Origins

Origin of designated hitter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Example Sentences

That made him the first primary designated hitter to claim the honor, and he joined Frank Robinson as the second player to win MVP in both leagues.

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He is pretty much restricted to designated hitter and is approaching an age where offensive production might decline.

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That was the end of Ohtani's night as the pitcher, but under a 2022 regulation change known as the 'Ohtani rule',, external he was allowed to remain in the game as designated hitter.

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As of 2022, starting pitchers have been allowed to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter even after leaving the mound.

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Under baseball’s current rules, if he pitches in relief and is removed from the game as a pitcher, he would also have to be removed as the designated hitter.

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Related Words

• backup 
• replacement