When should a player with equipment issues address them?

A player with equipment issues should address them immediately to ensure the game continues smoothly and safely. Equipment that is malfunctioning or not functioning at all can impede a player’s performance, pose safety risks, or potentially disrupt play. By resolving the issue right away, it helps maintain the flow of the game and ensures that no rules are being violated.

Waiting until the end of the inning, during a time-out, or before the next at-bat could cause unnecessary delays or create situations where the player is unable to perform at their best. Promptly fixing any equipment concerns allows the player to return to play without any further interruptions, reinforcing the importance of addressing equipment issues as soon as they are identified.