What happens if a starting player re-enters in the wrong position in the batting order?

When a starting player re-enters in the wrong position in the batting order, it is considered an illegal substitute. In NFHS baseball rules, players must re-enter in the same position in both the batting order and the fielding lineup from which they were originally substituted out. If they enter the game in a different spot in the batting order, it disrupts the established order and leads to complications in the game.

An illegal substitute can result in penalties, typically involving the removal of the player from the game and possible implications for the team, such as the loss of the ability to challenge plays or even the potential for an out being charged against the team. This ensures that the integrity of the game and the immutable nature of the batting order are maintained.

Other scenarios, such as being considered a legal or unreported substitute, imply that the changes to the lineup were made within acceptable guidelines of player substitution and reporting, which is not the case here when re-entering incorrectly. Batting out of order also pertains to different rules regarding the order of players rather than the legality of a specific player entering improperly.