In baseball, the double switch is a type of player substitution, usually performed by a team while playing defense.
Pitchers no longer took a spot in the batting order, and that rendered the double switch virtually unneeded.
Since the batting order can be changed only as a result of a player substitution,[Note 1] while the defensive arrangement may be changed freely (among players currently in the game), the double switch typically takes the following form: In the short term, the lineup is strengthened because a poor-hitting pitcher will not make a plate appearance soon.
As of the 2022 CBA, MLB has implemented a universal designated hitter, eliminating the need for the double-switch.
[3] In addition, because double-switches are typically communicated verbally, it creates opportunities for confusion and miscommunication that can be costly to the switching team.