DP/FLEX Explanation

Why So Complicated?

The DP/FLEX rule is known for being notoriously complicated. In reality, it is less complicated than the rules make it seem. To understand it, we need to break things down to very simple parts. The Designated Player (DP) is (usually) an offensive player who bats for the FLEX who is a defensive player. Both the DP and FLEX can be replaced by substitues like any other player (subject to the re-entry rule). This is the essence of the DP/FLEX rule. Everything else in the rule book are exceptions.

The Designated Player

The DP bats in place of the FLEX player only. The DP can bat at any position in the line-up, but must occupy that position (i.e. bats 3rd) the entire game. As mentioned, the DP may be subsituted for by any legal substitute (other than the FLEX) and the team retains the use of the DP. For example, if Jane is the DP and Alexa is a substitue on the bench. Alexa may bat for Jane and becomes the DP (subject to the re-entry rule).

The DP can play defense for any player, other than the FLEX, and the team retains the right to use the DP as a batter. The player for whom the DP plays defense for will continue to bat and is not removed from the game. If the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX is considered to have left the game. Thus, the number of players in the game is reduced by one, but the number of batters remains the same. This is becuase the FLEX is (usually) a defensive only player.

The FLEX

The FLEX plays defense only (the DP bats for the FLEX). This means the batting lineup could have 9 players, but there will be 10 players available in the game. As mentioned, the FLEX may be subsituted for by any legal substitute (other than the DP) and the team retains the use of the DP (subject to the re-entry rule). If the FLEX player does not play defense for an inning, the non-batting FLEX position is removed for the remainder of the game with that player.

The FLEX can play offense-only (replacing the DP) when two criteria are met. First, the FLEX must be inserted into the batting position of the DP. Second, the lineup must have enough defensive players (i.e. at least 1 AP) to field 9 defensive players. This player, who was formerly the FLEX, is now a regular player who shall bat and can play defense. The FLEX position is removed.

The Confusing Part

Confusion comes when the DP/FLEX are removed but then can be re-entered.

1) When the DP is substituted for by the FLEX (FLEX becomes a regular player) the DP position and player removed from the game. This reduces the number of players in the lineup by one, though the number of batters stays the same.

2) If the DP played the position of the FLEX on defense the FLEX player and position are removed from the game. This reduces the number of players in the lineup by one, though the number of batters stays the same. Case A: The DP can return to batting only (or playing defense for another player) and the FLEX re-established if the FLEX is re-entered or substituted for. Case B: The DP can leave the game and the FLEX plays offense for the DP if the FLEX is re-entered or substituted for. This uses the above point "1) When the DP is substituted for..."

3) If the FLEX player is not playing defense (i.e. an AP exists to field 9 players deffensivly), the non-batting FLEX position is removed. The FLEX can be re-established if the FLEX player re-enters or is substituted for (follwoing the re-entry rule).

Examples

1. TBA

Frequently Asked Questions

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