Trending Now - Cubs' Craig Counsell Critiques Mlb's Unusual Ohtani Rule
WHO:
The New York Times - Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs manager
The New York Times - Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers player
ESPN - Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager
WHAT:
ESPN - Craig Counsell stated that the two-way player rule is "bizarre," indicating it gives the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani "special consideration" over other teams.
Fox News - Counsell emphasized that the rule is "essentially" designed to help offense, stating, “It’s a rule to help offense, more than anything, if you ask me.”
The New York Times - Craig Counsell stated, “I’ve never understood it,” referring to the two-way designation rule.
The New York Times - Counsell mentioned that the Cubs are currently dealing with injuries to two members of their season-opening rotation, Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, as well as three late-inning relievers, Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, and Daniel Palencia.
The New York Times - Craig Counsell described MLB’s Shohei Ohtani rule as “bizarre.”
The New York Times - The two-way designation rule allows qualified players to pitch without counting against the active roster’s pitcher total.
The New York Times - To qualify for a two-way designation, players must pitch at least 20 major-league innings and start at least 20 games as a position player or designated hitter, with at least three plate appearances in each game.
The New York Times - The Cubs are limited to carrying 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster from Opening Day through August 31st and during the playoffs.
The New York Times - From September 1st through the end of the regular season, teams are allowed to carry 14 pitchers on the active 28-man roster.
WHERE:
The New York Times - Wrigley Field, Chicago
The New York Times - Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
WHEN:
The New York Times - The Cubs will visit Dodger Stadium for a three-game series on the weekend of April 23rd, 2026.
The New York Times - Ohtani’s next start is scheduled for April 26th, 2026, against the San Francisco Giants.
WHY:
The New York Times - Counsell criticized the rule for providing “special consideration” to Ohtani, stating, “there’s not another player like that,” emphasizing the uniqueness of Ohtani's situation.
The New York Times - Counsell criticized the rule for providing “special consideration” to Ohtani, stating it benefits only one team.
The New York Times - Counsell believes the rule is designed to help offense.
HOW:
Fox News - Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded to Counsell’s comments by saying, “The thing is it certainly benefits us because we have the player,” referring to Ohtani's unique capabilities.
The New York Times - Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded to Counsell’s comments by stating, “We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both.”
The New York Times - The two-way designation allows a player like Ohtani to not count against the pitcher total, providing roster flexibility for the Dodgers.
(UPDATED April 22, 2026 01:24 UTC)
On Tuesday, Craig Counsell criticized the two-way player rule, calling it "bizarre" and suggesting it gives the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani "special consideration" over other teams. He pointed out that the rule is "essentially" designed to help offense, saying, “It’s a rule to help offense, more than anything, if you ask me.” In response, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the rule certainly benefits his team, as they have the unique talents of Ohtani on their roster.
--
(UPDATED April 21, 2026 17:21 UTC)
Craig Counsell expressed his confusion over the two-way designation rule, criticizing it for giving special consideration to Shohei Ohtani, whom he described as a unique player with no equal. He also pointed out that the Cubs are currently facing challenges with injuries affecting two members of their starting rotation and three late-inning relievers. In response, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts welcomed the idea of other teams seeking out players who can excel in both pitching and hitting.
--
(UPDATED April 21, 2026 05:43 UTC)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has called the MLB's Shohei Ohtani rule “bizarre,” criticizing it for giving special consideration to Ohtani and benefiting only one team. This two-way designation allows qualified players like Ohtani to pitch without counting against the active roster's pitcher total, which provides roster flexibility for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs will visit Dodger Stadium for a three-game series starting April 23rd, and Ohtani's next start is set for April 26th against the San Francisco Giants.