As a subject matter expert in the field of sports, particularly softball, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the designated player (DP) rule in softball.

In softball, the designated player (DP) is a rule that allows a team to have an additional player who can bat in place of another player, typically a less skilled batter or a player who is not playing a position in the field, such as the pitcher. The DP is not considered a part of the defensive lineup; they only bat and do not play a fielding position. This rule is often used to strengthen a team's offensive lineup without weakening its defense.

The DP can be any player on the team's roster, except for the pitcher. The team must declare the DP before the game starts, and the player who is being replaced by the DP cannot be the pitcher. Once the DP is declared, they can only bat for the player they are designated for and cannot be substituted for by another player. The DP can be changed during the game, but only if the player they are batting for is removed from the game due to injury or other reasons.

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Prior to the start of the game you must choose which defensive player you want the DP to bat for. This player becomes the FLEX and plays DEFENSE ONLY, but with some additional offensive options. In the past the DP was called a DH (Designated Hitter) and could ONLY BAT.read more >>