When a pinch runner is brought in for a player who is also a designated hitter, what is the impact on the original player?

When a pinch runner is brought in for a player who is also serving as a designated hitter, the original player can no longer participate in the game, which is why the answer indicates that the original player cannot return to the game. This is important because the role of designated hitter (DH) is specific to batting and once a player designated for that purpose is replaced for any reason other than a typical substitution, such as a pinch runner, they lose their chance to hit in that game.

Therefore, the introduction of a pinch runner effectively removes the original player from the game altogether, not just from running but also from their duties as a designated hitter. Since the player is substituted out entirely, they cannot return to the game later and will not be able to hit again, making their status strictly that of a player who has been replaced. This rule emphasizes the strategic nature of baseball substitutions and the implications they have on game play.