Can a team have a courtesy runner for a player who is not the catcher of record in the last half-inning?

A team can have a courtesy runner for a player who is not the catcher of record in the last half-inning as long as specific conditions are met, making this answer not only permissible but also strategically beneficial in certain scenarios. The rules governing courtesy runners allow teams to use them to assist players who may be slower or more fatigued, especially towards the end of a game.

For a courtesy runner to be used in this context, the player must have previously been in the game, generally as a substitute. This flexibility aims to maintain the pace of the game while considering player safety and effectiveness. The specifics outlined in the relevant rulebook provide criteria for making sure that the courtesy runner fits the requirements, thus facilitating proper team strategy while adhering to the established guidelines.

Other options may impose unnecessary restrictions or misunderstandings regarding the allowances for courtesy runners, but as long as the conditions are followed, this option confirms the tactical advantage a team can exploit when managing player fatigue or base running efficiency.