A position player can pitch in baseball typically in situations where the game is lopsided, meaning one team is winning or losing by a large margin, or in extra innings when no other pitchers are available. In Major League Baseball (MLB), position players are generally allowed to pitch only under certain conditions as per the rules effective in 2023:

• When the game is in extra innings,
• When the player's team is winning by at least 10 runs in the ninth inning,
• When the player's team is trailing by at least 8 runs at any time during the game.

These rules are intended to preserve the bullpen and avoid using regular pitchers in games where the outcome is largely decided. Position players pitching is increasingly common in such scenarios but comes with some risks since they are not trained pitchers. The exceptions also include designated two-way players who can pitch without restrictions.