A pinch hit (or pinch-hitter) is a substitute batter who enters a game to bat in the place of another player, typically late in the game when a stronger hitter is needed or to gain a tactical advantage. The pinch hitter assumes the replaced player's spot in the batting order, and the original player cannot return to the game once substituted. Pinch hitters are common when a team wants to maximize offense, especially in crucial moments, and they are often backup infielders or outfielders; pitchers are less often used as pinch hitters because they are usually weaker hitters.