What options does the offensive team have when an illegal player on defense is discovered?

When an illegal player is discovered on the defensive team, the offensive team has specific options to address the situation. One of the key principles in baseball is to ensure fairness and adherence to the rules.

The offensive team may choose to let the play stand, which means they accept the outcome of the play despite the presence of the illegal player. This often occurs if they believe that the play resulted in a favorable outcome for them and they do not want to risk changing the result. Essentially, they are acknowledging the game situation and opting to proceed with the established play.

Additionally, if the offensive team wishes, they can also decide to bat again. This option may be exercised if they feel that the illegal player has affected the play negatively or if they prefer to re-establish the terms of the play under the correct circumstances. This serves to uphold the integrity of the game, allowing the offense to have another chance under lawful conditions.

Both of these options highlight the offensive team's ability to respond to an irregularity on the field while maintaining the rules of the game. The allowance for either letting the play stand or opting to re-bat illustrates how the rules accommodate situations where illegal participation occurs, giving the offensive team the ability to make a strategic decision based on the circumstances.