What happens when the plate umpire gives the "Do Not Pitch" signal?

When the plate umpire gives the "Do Not Pitch" signal, the ball becomes dead immediately. This signal indicates that the umpire is calling for a stoppage in play, often due to a situation that requires attention, such as a substitution, an injury, or an equipment issue.

When the ball is ruled dead, all play stops, and no action can take place until the umpire signals that play can resume. This ensures that players, coaches, and spectators are aware that the game is temporarily halted for a specific reason, allowing the umpire to maintain control of the game and address any immediate concerns appropriately.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the implications of the "Do Not Pitch" signal. For instance, if the ball remained live or if players were required to freeze, it would contradict the purpose of stopping the game to address an issue. Thus, recognizing the impact of the "Do Not Pitch" signal is crucial for understanding how umpires manage and control the flow of the game.