defensive shift
Fielders move over
A defensive shift is a strategic repositioning of fielders away from their standard positions, typically in baseball, to counter a batter's tendencies.
Teams study where hitters most often put the ball in play and move defenders accordingly: The infield shifted dramatically to the right side against the left-handed pull hitter.
Major League Baseball restricted extreme shifts in 2023, requiring two infielders on each side of second base.
- infieldBaseball's inner diamond
- shortstopInfield position, number six
- second baseMiddle infield bag
- pull hitterBatter favoring natural side
- positioningArranging in specific locations
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