In baseball, the term "designated hitter" (often abbreviated as DH) refers to a player who bats in place of the pitcher but does not take a position in the field. This rule allows teams to enhance their batting lineup while sparing pitchers from hitting duties, thereby increasing offensive potential. The designated hitter is particularly prevalent in the American League of Major League Baseball (MLB), which separates the two leagues' rules. By employing a DH, teams can capitalize on specialized hitting, often leading to more runs and heightened game excitement.