designated hitter

noun

, Baseball.

1. a hitter selected prior to the start of the game to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers without otherwise affecting the status of the pitchers in the game. : DH, dh

Word History and Origins

Origin of designated hitter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Example Sentences

While no designated hitter had ever before won an MVP, Ohtani’s award was not a surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

A bigger concern for the Dodgers was when designated hitter Shohei Ohtani left the field in some pain after injuring his left shoulder during a failed stolen base attempt in the seventh inning.

From BBC

But in the process, superstar designated hitter Shohei Ohtani sustained a shoulder injury after he jammed his left arm on a slide in the bottom of the seventh inning on an unsuccessful stolen-base attempt.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani is not pitching this season, but he still is a two-way player: designated hitter/tourist attraction.

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t think he would have gotten used to the designated hitter in use these days because he loved to hit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backup
• replacement