The Designated Player (DP) in softball is an offensive specialist. They bat in the lineup for a defensive player. This allows a team's best hitter to participate without playing defense. The DP can enter the game defensively at any point.

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TL;DR

The Designated Player (DP) is an offensive-only starter who bats in one of the nine spots in the order but does not have a fixed defensive home. They typically bat for the Flex, a tenth player listed on the lineup card who plays defense only. This system allows coaches to keep a powerful hitter in the game alongside a superior.

What Is the Role of the Designated Player?

The Designated Player acts as a specialist hitter who replaces a defensive player in the batting order to boost the team's total run production. Their primary job is to focus on offensive execution, such as hitting for power or high average, while a teammate handles the defensive duties.

According to standard regulations, the DP is listed in one of the first nine positions on the lineup card. They are paired with the Flex, who is listed in the tenth position and remains the defensive specialist. The DP can play defense for any of the other nine players in the lineup, including the Flex. However, if the DP enters the field for the Flex, the lineup temporarily shrinks from ten players to nine. See more on trackbarn.

Softball Lineup Comparison: DP vs. Flex

How Does the DP/Flex Rule Work During a Game?

The DP/Flex rule provides tactical flexibility by allowing coaches to move players between offensive and defensive roles as long as the batting order remains unchanged. It is a more complex version of the Designated Hitter rule used in professional baseball.

The DP and Flex can play defense at the same time, but they can never occupy different spots in the batting order. If the Flex is moved into a batting position, they must take the DP's exact spot in the lineup. Conversely, if the DP plays defense for anyone other than the Flex, that defensive player continues to bat but stops fielding, essentially becoming a temporary offensive specialist. See more on proplayerteam.

• The DP can play defense for any of the nine starters - The Flex and DP can play defense simultaneously - The lineup can fluctuate between nine and ten active players - A coach can elect to "drop" the Flex or DP to change.

How to Decide if Your Lineup Needs a DP

Choosing to use a DP depends on your roster's specific strengths and weaknesses during game preparation. Coaches must weigh the benefit of an extra bat against the complexity of the substitution rules.

References:

USA Softball Official Rules NCAA Softball Rules NFHS Softball Rules Information WBSC Official Statutes

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