When an illegal defensive player was involved in the play and is discovered before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, which statement is correct?

• A. The offensive team has no options.
• B. The team on offense may choose to let the play stand.
• C. The team on offense may choose to have the batter bat again.
• D. Both B & C.

Answer: (D)

This question tests how to handle an illegal defensive player who participated in a play when the situation is still unresolved before the next pitch to the next batter. When that illegal player is discovered before any pitch to the next batter, the offense has two allowed remedies: they can let the play stand as it occurred, or they can require the batter to bat again. This preserves fairness by not nullifying a successful offensive effort entirely due to a defensive violation, while also giving the offense a chance to reset the at-bat if they choose. That’s why both options are available, making the statement that includes both let-the-play-stand and batter-bat-again correct.