Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently expressed frustration with Major League Baseball’s roster rules while addressing his team’s ongoing pitching injuries. Speaking at Wrigley Field, Counsell criticized what he referred to as the “Shohei Ohtani rule,” calling it “bizarre” and questioning its fairness, especially as his team deals with a depleted pitching staff.
Two-Way Player Rule Gives Dodgers Roster Flexibility Advantage Explained
The rule in question is the league’s two-way player designation. It allows certain qualified players to contribute both as pitchers and position players without being counted fully toward a team’s pitcher limit on the active roster. To qualify, a player must either pitch at least 20 major league innings or start 20 games as a position player or designated hitter with multiple plate appearances in each.
Because of this designation, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers does not count against the Dodgers’ pitching roster limit, giving the team added flexibility. Counsell argued that this creates an uneven advantage, especially since most teams cannot carry such dual-role players. He noted that his own roster remains restricted to 13 pitchers, even while multiple Cubs pitchers are currently injured.
Mlb Roster Limits, Ohtani Rule Debate, And Competitive Fairness Concerns Explained
From Opening Day through August 31, MLB teams are limited to 13 pitchers on a 26-man roster, regardless of injuries. This restriction remains in place even when teams face significant pitching shortages. Beginning September 1, rosters expand slightly, allowing 14 pitchers on a 28-man roster.
Counsell emphasized that while no team has a player like Ohtani, the rule effectively benefits only teams with such rare talent. He suggested this creates an imbalance in roster construction and competitive flexibility.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded by acknowledging the advantage but defended it as a natural result of having a unique player. He noted that any team with a similar two-way talent would receive the same benefit, adding that Ohtani is simply an exceptional case.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in MLB regarding roster limits and the impact of extraordinary dual-role players on competitive fairness.
