What are the DP and the FLEX in softball?
A · Advanced · The game · 1 of 6A team may start with ten players. The designated player, or DP, bats in one of the nine places in the order. The FLEX is listed tenth and fields without batting. Unlike baseball's designated hitter, the DP may also field, and the FLEX may bat, but only in the DP's place. The two can never bat at the same time.
How it works
- The DP: "A starting offensive player who bats for the FLEX."
- The FLEX: listed tenth, the starting player "for whom the DP is batting". They may play any position in the field.
- Declared at the start: a team that wants a DP must name both on the starting line-up card.
- DP in the field: the DP may play defence for any player. If that player is not the FLEX, they carry on batting only.
- DP fields for the FLEX: the FLEX has left the game and the team is down to nine.
- FLEX bats: only in the DP's place in the order. The DP has left the game and the team is down to nine.
- Any number of times: both of those moves may be repeated, within the re-entry rule.
- Never together: the DP and the FLEX cannot both be in the game on offence.
- Back to ten: by re-entering the starter or bringing in a substitute.
- Finishing with nine: allowed.
- Wrong place: a FLEX who bats for anyone other than the DP is an illegal re-entry.
The glossary has the designated player, the FLEX, the team, the batter, the turn at bat and the pitcher.
Tricky cases
Is the FLEX always the pitcher?
No. The FLEX may play any defensive position. The pitcher is the most common choice.
The DP goes to play first base in place of the starting first base player, who is not the FLEX. Has that player left the game?
No. They continue to bat and do not field. The team still has ten players.
The FLEX comes in to bat for the number 4 hitter. The DP bats seventh. Is that legal?
No. The FLEX may enter on offence only in the DP's batting position. This is an illegal re-entry.
Can a team that started with nine players add a DP in the fourth inning?
No. The DP must be declared on the starting line-up card.
Why the rule exists
It lets a team use a strong hitter who is a weak fielder alongside a strong fielder who is a weak hitter, most often the pitcher. Allowing the DP to field and the FLEX to bat gives a coach more ways to use a small squad than baseball's rule does.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Team using a DP | Ten players in the line-up, nine bat | WBSC Softball Rule 3.2.2 |
| DP fields for the FLEX, or FLEX bats for the DP | Line-up goes to nine | WBSC Softball Rule 3.2.4; 3.2.5 |
| FLEX bats for another player | Illegal re-entry | WBSC Softball Rule 3.2.5 d |
| Baseball | A designated hitter bats and never fields | WBSC Baseball Rule 9.3 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Softball: Fast Pitch (2026-2029), Rules 3.1.3, 3.1.6, 3.1.14, 3.2.2, 3.2.4 and 3.2.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Softball, Fast Pitch, 2026-2029 (PDF).