Answer:
(D) work done by the bat on the ball
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of work-energy theorem, states that work done by the sum of all the forces acting on an object, is equal to the gain in the kinetic energy of the object.
When the baseball bat strikes the baseball which causes a displacement in the initial position of the baseball, work is said to be done which is equal to the change in the kinetic energy of the baseball.
Thus, The kinetic energy gained by the baseball as it leaves the bat is due to the work done by the bat on the ball.