Counsell: MLB rule in place for Ohtani, Dodgers 'bizarre'
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized the MLB rule allowing the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers due to Shohei Ohtani's two-way player designation, calling it "bizarre."
- MLB teams are generally limited to 13 pitchers on their 26-man roster until August 31, after which they can have 14 pitchers on a 28-man roster starting September 1, but Ohtani does not count as a pitcher under the two-way player rule.
- The two-way player designation applies to players with at least 20 innings pitched and 20 starts as a position player or DH within the current or past two seasons; Ohtani is currently the only player who qualifies.
- Counsell expressed confusion over the rule, suggesting it was designed to boost offense but results in one team receiving special treatment, which he finds unfair.
