Dodgers' Dave Roberts Defends Ohtani Rule Amid Criticism from Cubs' Craig Counsell

The "Ohtani Rule" in Major League Baseball allows players who qualify as two-way players to not count against the team's pitcher limit. To qualify, a player must have pitched at least 20 major league innings and started at least 20 games as a position player or designated hitter, with a minimum of three plate appearances in each game over the current or previous two seasons. Currently, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is the only player who meets these criteria, allowing the Dodgers to effectively carry 14 pitchers on their roster.

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently criticized the Ohtani Rule, labeling it "bizarre" during a media briefing. He expressed concerns that the rule provides the Dodgers with an unfair advantage, particularly as his team struggles with injuries to key pitchers. Counsell stated, "There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player," emphasizing the unique situation the Dodgers find themselves in due to Ohtani's dual capabilities.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Criticizes MLB’s Shohei Ohtani Rule as ‘Bizarre’USA TodayLA TimesNew York PostCraig Counsell made a very strange statement about Shohei OhtaniWest Hawaii TodayAssociated Press

In response to Counsell's remarks, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the rule and Ohtani's exceptional talent. Following a 12-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Roberts remarked, "We’re more than willing to have other teams go out and find a player that can do both. He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player." He acknowledged that while the rule benefits the Dodgers, any team with a player like Ohtani would enjoy similar advantages.

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The Ohtani Rule allows the Dodgers to maintain a six-man starting rotation while still having eight relievers, a flexibility not available to other teams under the current roster limits. This strategic advantage is particularly significant for a franchise with a large payroll, enabling them to maximize their roster's potential.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Criticizes MLB’s Shohei Ohtani Rule as ‘Bizarre’

The Dodgers and Cubs are set to face off in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, where Counsell will have the opportunity to address his concerns directly. The ongoing debate surrounding the Ohtani Rule highlights broader discussions about roster regulations in Major League Baseball, particularly regarding fairness and competitive balance.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Criticizes MLB’s Shohei Ohtani Rule as ‘Bizarre’

Counsell's critique of the Ohtani Rule reflects a growing frustration among teams dealing with roster limitations, especially those facing injury challenges. Roberts, on the other hand, maintains that the rule is a product of Ohtani's unique skills and that it is up to other teams to find similar talent.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Criticizes MLB’s Shohei Ohtani Rule as ‘Bizarre’

• “There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player.” — Craig Counsell, Manager, Chicago Cubs

New York Post

• “We're more than willing to have other teams go out and find a player that can do both (pitching and hitting),” — Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

USA Today

The discussion surrounding the Ohtani Rule is likely to continue as teams navigate the complexities of roster management and player utilization in the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Criticizes MLB’s Shohei Ohtani Rule as ‘Bizarre’