If a pinch runner replaces a DH, what is the status of the DH?

When a pinch runner replaces a designated hitter (DH), the designated hitter's status in the game changes significantly. In this situation, the pinch runner takes over the base-running duties for the player who was hitting, thereby affecting the overall lineup dynamics.

Once the pinch runner enters the game in place of the designated hitter, that player can no longer serve in that role; the pinch runner essentially becomes the new player "in" for that batting slot. This means that the pinch runner is now fully integrated into the lineup, and the original DH is effectively replaced. The situation places the pinch runner in a unique position within the game, as they assume not only the responsibility of running the bases but also the batting slot that the original DH occupied.

The other options address misunderstandings about the role of the designated hitter. Some might think that the original DH remains unchanged, or that they could come back later, which is not the case once a substitution like a pinch runner is made. Importantly, the understanding of a pinch runner's effect on a designated hitter is crucial for accurate gameplay management.