GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When can an MLB defense appeal batting out of turn, and who bats next?
An improper batter is not automatically out just for taking the wrong turn. Before that batter becomes a runner or is put out, the proper batter can take over and inherits the count. After the turn is complete, the defense must appeal before the first pitch to the next batter of either team or before any play or attempted play. A timely appeal calls the proper batter out and resumes the order after that batter; without a timely appeal, the completed turn becomes legal and the order resumes after the batter who completed it. The appeal cancels only specified advances caused by the improper batter's plate appearance or first-base award; listed independent advances such as a steal, balk, wild pitch or passed ball stand.
For Fans, scorekeepers and players trying to follow the next lawful batter after a lineup-order mistake. · Updated
An unfinished turn can be corrected
If the wrong player is still batting and has not become a runner or been put out, the proper batter may replace that player. The current balls and strikes carry over to the proper batter. This is a correction of an unfinished plate appearance, not an appeal that creates an out.
A timely appeal changes the out and the next name
Once the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, the defense can appeal before the first pitch to the next batter of either team or before any play or attempted play. If the appeal is timely, the proper batter is declared out. The next batter is the name after that proper batter in the lineup.
The ruling does not erase every runner movement during the improper turn. Advances or scores caused by the improper batter's batted ball or by that batter reaching first can be nullified. A runner's advance on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball during the turn remains legal. If the proper batter is already on base when the order comes to that name, the next name after that player is used.
A pitch or play can legalize the turn
If there is no timely appeal before the first pitch to the next batter of either team or before a play or attempted play, the improper batter's completed turn becomes legal. The batting order then picks up with the name after the batter who just completed the turn. The umpire does not point out the batting-order mistake to either team.
Which rulebook this explanation uses
This guide follows the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball's Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition. The book gives no separate day-level publication or effective date and states that its playing rules govern MLB and its professional development league system. Check the governing rules and ground rules for another competition; this guide does not decide a real play.
A timely appeal and a legalized turn
In a fictional lineup, Arlo bats first, Bea follows, then Cora and Dax. After Arlo completes his turn, Cora bats in Bea's spot and doubles. A runner who was on first steals second during Cora's plate appearance. If the defense appeals before the first pitch to the next batter of either team and before any play or attempted play, Bea is called out and the order resumes with Cora. The stolen base stands, while the advance caused by Cora's double can be nullified. In a separate branch, if Dax receives a pitch before an appeal, Cora's turn is legal and the order proceeds after Cora. If Cora had not yet become a runner or been put out, Bea could instead have taken over with Cora's count.
Related questions
Is the batter who hit out of turn the one called out?
On a timely appeal after the turn is complete, the proper batter who missed the turn is called out. The batter who hit out of turn is not automatically the one called out.
When does the defense lose the chance to appeal?
The appeal must come before the first pitch to the next batter of either team or before any play or attempted play. A pitch or play before the appeal can legalize the completed turn.
Do all runner advances disappear after a successful appeal?
No. Advances caused by the improper batter's hit or first-base award can be nullified, while the rule preserves listed independent advances such as a steal, balk, wild pitch or passed ball.