This is one of those no-win situations for a Head Coach. If you bring in a guest player you need to give them playing time, sometimes at the expense of regular player(s) and it does not sit well. Unfortunately the real villain in this is the kid who is not there and is the reason you need to use a guest. You know the same one with the parents who complain when you carry 14-16 players to make sure you have enough. We are now running with 12 players and I will only take on a very strong 2020 or 2021 pitcher. If we do not have enough, we do not play as I refuse to deal with the BS. So I am basically done with guest players with the possible exception of a pitcher. I have 2 starting pitchers and 1 kid that "can pitch". If I do not have one of my starters it can make for a long day, so I may bring someone in. The will get circle time but probably will not hit. If I cannot cover a hole in the infield or outfield because 1 or 2 players are out, then I have not done my job as a coach.