Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Thinks the Ohtani Rule is 'Bizarre'
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Cubs manager Craig Counsell thinks a Major League Baseball rule that allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers because of Shohei Ohtani is "bizarre." Major league teams are allowed to have a maximum of 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster from opening day through Aug. 31. From Sept. 1 through the end of the season, the roster limits increase to 14 pitchers and 28 active players. But Ohtani is designated as a two-way player, which means he doesn't count as a pitcher. So the reigning World Series champions have a total of 14 pitchers on their active roster. Asked about the 13-pitcher limit before Monday's 5-1 victory over Philadelphia, Counsell said he has never understood the reasoning for the restriction. [Shohei Ohtani On-Base Streak Tracker: Ohtani Ties Choo, Millar With 52-Straight] "It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me," Counsell said. "And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule. ... For one team." The two-way player designation is for players with at least 20 innings pitched in the major leagues and at least 20 big league starts as a position player or designated hitter with at least three plate appearances in each of those games. The player has to reach those numbers in the current or any one of the two most recent seasons. The designation went into effect for the 2020 season. The 31-year-old Ohtani is the only current player who meets the criteria. "There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player," said Counsell, who played in the majors for 16 years. Reporting by The Associated Press.
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This article is significant because it highlights a specific rule within Major League Baseball (MLB) that affects team roster management and player designation, specifically the unique allowance for players like Shohei Ohtani.
Context & Background
- The rule limits MLB teams to 13 pitchers on their active roster from opening day through August 31st.
- The exception is a two-way player designation, which allows a team to carry more than 13 pitchers, exemplified by Ohtani.
- This designation is based on specific criteria related to innings pitched and plate appearances over recent seasons.
What Happens Next
The analysis of this rule suggests that the unique status of Shohei Ohtani under the two-way player rule is a key point of discussion in MLB's strategic roster planning. Future developments will likely focus on how other teams adapt or challenge this specific exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'Ohtani Rule' mentioned in the article?
The rule allows a team to carry 14 pitchers, which is an exception for players like Shohei Ohtani who are designated as two-way players.
What is the basis for the two-way player designation?
The designation requires a player to have pitched at least 20 innings in the major leagues and been a position player or designated hitter with at least three plate appearances in each game, meeting specific criteria.
Original Source
- No Data Available - BROWSE BY SPORTS & TEAMS PLAYERS SHOWS PERSONALITIES TOPICS Built on Major League Baseball Major League Baseball Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Thinks the Ohtani Rule is 'Bizarre' Published Apr. 21, 2026 1:30 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link Cubs manager Craig Counsell thinks a Major League Baseball rule that allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers because of Shohei Ohtani is "bizarre." Major league teams are allowed to have a maximum of 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster from opening day through Aug. 31. From Sept. 1 through the end of the season, the roster limits increase to 14 pitchers and 28 active players. But Ohtani is designated as a two-way player, which means he doesn't count as a pitcher. So the reigning World Series champions have a total of 14 pitchers on their active roster. Asked about the 13-pitcher limit before Monday's 5-1 victory over Philadelphia, Counsell said he has never understood the reasoning for the restriction. [Shohei Ohtani On-Base Streak Tracker: Ohtani Ties Choo, Millar With 52-Straight ] "It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me," Counsell said. "And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule. ... For one team." The two-way player designation is for players with at least 20 innings pitched in the major leagues and at least 20 big league starts as a position player or designated hitter with at least three plate appearances in each of those games. The player has to reach those numbers in the current or any one of the two most recent seasons. The designation went into effect for the 2020 season. The 31-year-old Ohtani is the only current player who meets the criteria. "There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player," said Counsell, who played in the majors for 16 years. Reporting by The Associated Press.
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