RP removed during an AB?

I pretty sure you shouldn't be allowed to remove a pitcher in the middle of an AB without there being an injury

TOP OF INNING 7
0 R.Brantly 6-8 Walk b-1 F9
0 1 A.Escobar 5-7 Double (LF) 1-3 b-2 F9
0 23 D.Lemahieu Wild Pitch 3-H 2-3 F9
SUBSTITUTION at P: Octavio Dotel (role: RH Specialist)
0 3 D.Lemahieu 4-7 Strike Out b-0 F9
SUBSTITUTION at P: Matt Lindstrom
1 3 M.Fontenot 2-9 Single (LF) 3-H b-1 F9
1 1 S.Choo 3-6 Strike Out b-0 F9
2 1 D.Fowler 6-8 Strike Out b-0 F9

http://onlinegames.strat-o-matic.com/ga ... 329202/987

Am I missing something here. Verlander was the SP. Starts pitching to Lemahieu then, after a Wild Pitch, he's removed? Shouldn't he finish the AB first before he is allowed to be removed?

Except in case of injury, the rule is a pitcher must pitch to one full batter (or until the side is retired*) before being removed. However, once he has met that requirement, he may be substituted for at any time--including in the middle of an at bat.

*A pitcher could enter the game with two outs, pick off a runner, and be legally removed without ever throwing a pitch.

Rule 3.05 covers this: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2013/ ... _rules.pdf

I don't think rule 3.05 applies here. The starting pitcher Verlander was removed after starting to pitch to the third batter in the 7th inning. After pitching into the 7th inning he may be removed at any time, including in the middle of an at bat. Rule 3.05 applies only when a new pitcher enters the game - they must complete pitching to one batter or until an out is recorded. This is the rule that the MLB umpires screwed up earlier this year and Mike Scioscia protested. Dotel can be removed for Lindstrom because he recorded an out.

I think Coyote answers this for us right here:
the rule is a pitcher must pitch to one full batter (or until the side is retired*) before being removed. However, once he has met that requirement, he may be substituted for at any time--including in the middle of an at bat.

Thanks. Yes, I agree with both coyote and lev - I think of rule 3.05 applying mainly when an RP enters a game, but it does also apply to an SP - and it is true here.

The bottom line is that a pitcher can be removed in the middle of an at bat provided that they have faced one previous hitter or an out has been recorded by other means.

...The bottom line is that a pitcher can be removed in the middle of an at bat provided that they have faced one previous hitter or an out has been recorded by other means.

Not quite. For example, if a pitcher enters the game with one out and picks the runner off first, he still must face one batter. The exception is when the side is retired by other means.

Thanks guys,

not the first time I'm thinking of the rules wrongly, won't be the last!

Rule 3.05 is not a universal rule that applies to all teams. I think the Astros are exempt by special decree.