Baseball has changed a lot over the years. Rules evolve. Strategies shift. Fans debate everything. One big question keeps popping up: Do pitchers still bat in Major League Baseball? The short answer is no. But the full story is more interesting than you might think.
TLDR: Pitchers no longer bat in MLB games. In 2022, the National League adopted the Designated Hitter rule, just like the American League. That means a separate player now hits in place of the pitcher. So yes, the era of pitchers batting is officially over—for now.
The Short Answer: Not Anymore
As of the 2022 MLB season, pitchers do not bat in either league. Both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) use the Designated Hitter (DH). The DH hits in place of the pitcher.
Before 2022, things were different. The American League used the DH since 1973. The National League did not. This created two different styles of baseball.
Fans argued about which style was better.
- American League: Pitcher does not bat. DH hits instead.
- National League (before 2022): Pitcher had to bat.
Now, both leagues follow the same rule. The pitcher focuses on pitching. Another player focuses on hitting.
What Is the Designated Hitter?
The Designated Hitter is a player who only bats. He does not play defense in the field. He takes the pitcher’s spot in the batting order.
Simple idea. Big impact.
Here is how it works:
- The pitcher still throws and plays defense.
- The DH bats in place of the pitcher.
- If the team removes the DH, the pitcher must bat.
The DH allows teams to keep strong bats in the lineup. Even if those players are not great defenders.
It also protects pitchers from injury while hitting or running the bases.
Why Did Pitchers Ever Bat?
In the early days of baseball, there was no DH. Everyone hit. That included pitchers.
Baseball was built on the idea that every player should do everything. Hit. Field. Throw.
But the game became more specialized over time.
Pitchers began throwing harder. Games became more intense. Pitchers focused almost entirely on pitching. Hitting became a secondary skill.
And frankly, most pitchers were not great hitters.
There were exceptions, of course.
Famous Pitchers Who Could Hit
- Babe Ruth – Started as a pitcher. Became one of the greatest hitters ever.
- Madison Bumgarner – Known for clutch home runs.
- Micah Owings – A rare pitcher with serious hitting power.
But these players were unusual. Most pitchers struggled at the plate.
In fact, in the final years before the universal DH, pitchers often had batting averages below .150. That is very low.
Why Did the National League Finally Change?
Several reasons pushed the National League to adopt the DH in 2022.
1. Offense Increased
More hits. More runs. More excitement. Fans like scoring.
2. Fewer Easy Outs
Pitchers were often automatic outs. That slowed rallies and reduced action.
3. Player Safety
Teams invest millions in pitchers. Letting them swing a bat and run the bases added injury risk.
4. Consistency Between Leagues
Having different rules in each league caused confusion. It also complicated trades and free agency.
MLB wanted uniform rules. So they made the change permanent.
What Did We Lose When Pitchers Stopped Batting?
Some fans loved the strategy of pitchers hitting.
The National League game had a different feel.
Managers had to think carefully.
- When do you pinch hit for the pitcher?
- Should you double switch?
- Do you let a strong pitching performance continue, even if the pitcher’s spot comes up to bat?
These decisions created drama.
Late-game strategy was deeper. More complicated. Some say more fun.
Without pitchers batting, those tactical moments happen less often.
What Did We Gain?
The DH brings benefits too.
1. Better Offense
Instead of a weak-hitting pitcher, teams use a professional hitter.
2. Longer Careers
Older players who may struggle defensively can still contribute as DHs.
Examples include:
- David Ortiz
- Edgar Martinez
- Nelson Cruz
3. Fewer Injuries
Pitchers no longer pull hamstrings running the bases.
4. More Entertainment
Fans get stronger at-bats from top to bottom in the lineup.
Key Differences: Before and After the Universal DH
| Feature | Before 2022 (NL) | After 2022 (All MLB) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher Bats | Yes | No |
| Designated Hitter | No | Yes |
| Pinch Hitting for Pitcher | Common | Rare |
| Offensive Production | Lower | Higher |
| Strategic Double Switch | Frequent | Uncommon |
Was There Any Transition Period?
Yes. In 2020, during the shortened COVID season, MLB temporarily used the DH in both leagues.
It was meant to limit strain on players.
In 2021, the National League returned to pitchers batting.
Then in 2022, the new collective bargaining agreement made the universal DH permanent.
That was the official end of pitchers batting in everyday MLB games.
Do Pitchers Ever Hit Now?
Almost never. But there are rare exceptions.
If a team removes its DH during a game, the pitcher must bat. This can happen if:
- The DH enters the field defensively.
- Complex substitutions eliminate the DH spot.
These situations are unusual. Most games never see a pitcher at the plate.
In special events, like exhibition games, odd things can happen. But in standard MLB play, pitchers do not hit.
What About Shohei Ohtani?
Great question.
Shohei Ohtani changed the conversation.
He pitches. He hits. And he does both at an elite level.
MLB even created a special rule nicknamed the “Ohtani Rule.”
It allows a player who starts as both pitcher and DH to continue hitting even after being removed as the pitcher.
This rule supports two-way players.
But Ohtani is rare. Most pitchers are not strong hitters. That is why the universal DH still makes sense for most teams.
Do Fans Miss Pitchers Batting?
Some do. Especially longtime National League fans.
They miss:
- Sacrifice bunts by pitchers.
- Surprise home runs from unlikely heroes.
- The chess match of late-game substitutions.
But many younger fans prefer the faster pace and higher scoring.
Baseball is always balancing tradition and entertainment.
How Does This Compare to Other Leagues?
In college baseball, DH rules vary by conference.
In high school, pitchers usually do not bat if a DH is used.
International leagues often use the DH as well.
MLB was one of the last major organizations with different rules in separate leagues.
Now, the system is unified.
Could Pitchers Ever Bat Again?
It is possible. But unlikely.
Baseball loves tradition. But it also follows entertainment value and player health.
Unless a wave of strong-hitting pitchers enters the league, the DH is probably here to stay.
Rule changes do happen, though.
Remember:
- The pitch clock was added.
- Shifts were limited.
- Bases were made bigger.
So never say never.
The Bottom Line
No, pitchers do not still bat in MLB.
Since 2022, both leagues use the designated hitter.
The move increased offense. It simplified rules. It protected pitchers.
It also ended a long-running difference between the American and National Leagues.
Some fans celebrate the change. Others miss the old strategy.
But baseball keeps evolving. That is part of its charm.
The pitcher’s job now is clear.
Throw strikes. Get outs. Win games.
Leave the hitting to someone else.