Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 3/8/2011

Question
Greetings ... does rule 4.04 apply to an absent player to a "Continuation" of a game?  In are case a game went just 3 innings ... halted after just 3 innings due to light ... we had suited up 12 players ... the continuation of the game was then set a few more days out ... we then had one absent player upon that Sunday's continuation game. My question is: Are we to receive an "Out" for the first time that absent player comes through in the line up ... OR ... by notifying the Umpire, opposing Manager and Score Keeper are we then to skip over that players position in the line up?

Thank you, David

Answer
David,

To avoid the out, just substitute another player for your absent player.  That way the new player can play and you are good.

If you have no players left, then you are correct - play with eight and take an out each time his position comes up in the batting order.

Hope this helps!

Brian