Overview
The designated hitter (DH) rule allows a non-fielding specialist to bat in the pitcher's lineup spot. MLB's American League adopted it in 1973, and NPB's Pacific League followed in 1975. The Central League has never adopted the DH, preserving the traditional format where pitchers bat. This divergence creates fundamental differences in roster construction and in-game tactics. Pacific League clubs gain offensive firepower by slotting power hitters at DH, while Central League games feature strategic depth through pinch-hitting and pitching change decisions around the pitcher's spot. Interleague games use DH rules based on the home team's league, requiring both leagues' clubs to adapt to alternate formats. MLB's 2022 universal DH adoption reignited debate about Central League implementation, but support for pitcher-batting baseball remains strong, and no resolution has been reached.