Substitutes and re-entry
WBSC · 2026–2029Substitutions are made with the ball dead and must be reported to the plate umpire. A starting player may leave and re-enter once, returning to the same batting position. A non-starting substitute who has been replaced cannot normally return as a player. Position changes do not create a new batting order.
The rule
Substitutions are made with the ball dead and must be reported to the plate umpire. A starting player may leave and re-enter once, returning to the same batting position. A non-starting substitute who has been replaced cannot normally return as a player. Position changes do not create a new batting order.
In practice
Special provisions cover a bleeding player and a temporary runner for the catcher or pitcher of record with 2 outs. The temporary runner is the eligible player scheduled to bat last who is not on base. These are defined exceptions, not permission for unrestricted rolling substitutions. Illegal or unreported changes can be penalized following a proper appeal.
Sources & approach ↗