Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/23/2010

Question
A team has two Ryans, #2 and #4.  The manager inadvertently lists Ryan #2 instead of Ryan #4 on the line-up card.  Ryan #2 is actually not at the game.  Ryan #4 bats in the sixth spot in the order all game.  In the bottom of the sixth inning with game tied, Ryan #4 comes to bat again in the same sixth spot and draws a walk.  The opposing manager then challenges that he batted out of order based on the line-up card.  No pitch has been thrown to the subsequent batter.  My question is since this is really not a batting out of order question but an improperly filled out line-up card, can Ryan #4 be called out at this time?  My gut tells me that once he established his place in the line-up and has batted there the whole game, the only time he could have possibly be called out would have been after his first at bat.  What is the proper ruling in this situation?

Answer
Really, he is never out of order....A correction on the lineup should be given w/ no penalty to Ryan #4.  However, Ryan #2 cannot play as it's the same as if he were entered into the game & then removed....

Thanks for the question...Good luck....Andy

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