What should occur if a player is injured and requires a pinch runner?

When a player is injured and requires a pinch runner, the rules regarding substitution and player replacement come into play. If the original player is unable to continue due to injury, a pinch runner is typically used to take their place on the bases. This pinch runner does not count as a substitution in the usual sense since the original player is currently unable to participate in the game, allowing them to return later if their injury permits.

The correct response highlights that if a substitution is made for the original player, it may have implications for how substitutions affect the overall flow of the game. Importantly, the pinch runner can enter, but this must adhere to the rules regarding existing substitutions. If another player is introduced as a pinch runner, it can indeed have impactful consequences for the players previously on the field, potentially affecting who can play in later innings or phases of the game. This scenario ensures compliance with the rules governing player participation and ensures fair play while maintaining the integrity of the game.