Double switch: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

In baseball, the double switch is a type of player substitution. The double switch allows a manager to make a pitching substitution and defensive (fielding) substitution while simultaenously improving the offensive (batting) lineup of a team. Specifically, the double switch is usually used to avoid a plate appearance (at bat) by a newly introduced pitcher.

The anatomy of a double switch consists of two discrete switches: 1) a pitcher replaces a defensive player who will not be at bat soon, and 2) a defensive player replaces the former pitcher. The advantage is that the short-term batting lineup is strengthened because a poor-hitting pitcher will not soon make a plate appearance. The disadvantage is that a defensive player (often referred to as the victim of a double switch) must be removed from play and replaced by another, often inferior, defensive player.

The double switch is generally only used in the National League, as pitchers are not required to make plate appearances in the American League due to the designated hitter rule.

Example

A double switch made by the Chicago Cubs on September 3, 2003 in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, played at St. Louis. At the top of the eighth inning, Cubs manager Dusty Baker decided to remove his current pitcher Mark Guthrie. Instead of a single substitution, though, Baker made a double switch by removing both pitcher Guthrie and shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Replacing Guthrie was Mark Grudzielanek, who became the Cubs second baseman. Replacing Gonzalez was Joe Borowski, the Cubs relief pitcher. To occupy the now open shortstop position, Tony Womack changed defensive position from second baseman to shortstop.

By inspecting the pre- and post-switch lineups, one can see the offensive advantage over a single switch involving only the pitchers Guthrie and Borowski. By using a double switch, the Cubs avoided forcing a pitcher to hit in the upcoming bottom of the eight inning. Instead, the stronger offensive player Grudzielanek would bat third (and hit a game tying triple).