What is the ruling if a courtesy runner is requested for a player who has been subbed out for a pinch hitter?

In this situation, the ruling allows for a courtesy runner when a player has been substituted out for a pinch hitter. The purpose of a courtesy runner is to assist players who may have difficulty running the bases, typically due to injury or other legitimate reasons. The rules permit this allowance even when a pinch hitter takes the place of an original player in the lineup.

By allowing a courtesy runner in this context, the game maintains its pace while still adhering to the principles of fair play. A pinch hitter is a substitute for a batter, and as long as the original player does not return to the game, the request for a courtesy runner is valid.

The option stating that a courtesy runner is not available would misinterpret the allowance given to players who are substituted out but still in need of assistance on the bases. This makes it clear that there is no automatic denial of the request, as players being replaced on the field by a pinch hitter still retain the possibility of utilizing a courtesy runner.

Moreover, the requirement for the runner to be the same position player does not apply in this case since the player who has left the game is no longer in the lineup, making this condition irrelevant. The option that suggests the request would be denied automatically also misrepresents the