The number of players of a baseball team that are starters depends on whether or not the league uses designated hitters. If the league does not use designated hitters, each team's starting lineup will include 9 players. (Catcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, shortstop, pitcher, left field, right field, and center field). If the league does use designated hitters, each team's starting lineup will include 10 players. (Catcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, shortstop, pitcher, left field, right field, center field, and the designated hitter). In each case, however, each team's batting lineup will always include 9 players. In DH friendly leagues, generally it is the pitcher that does not bat (although technically any player could be replaced by the designated hitter) and is replaced by the DH. In DH unfriendly leagues, the pitcher is not replaced and receives at-bats.