What is the impact of pinch running on the status of the original designated hitter?

When a designated hitter (DH) is replaced by a pinch runner in a baseball or softball game, the status of the original designated hitter changes significantly. The pinch runner is an additional player used to run the bases in place of a player who is either slow or injured. However, once the designated hitter is substituted for by a pinch runner, that designated hitter cannot return to the game in that capacity, and thus is effectively removed from the lineup.

This removal is crucial because it alters the team's strategy and roster management. While the pinch runner takes their place on the base paths, the designated hitter’s role is permanently forfeited for that game. Therefore, other players may have to step into the batting order to fill the gap left by the designated hitter, impacting the overall flow of the game.

The other choices imply varying levels of continued participation for the designated hitter after the pinch running occurs, which do not align with the rules. This reinforces the understanding that once the designated hitter is replaced, they cannot continue in that role for the duration of the game.