Cubs Manager Critiques MLB’s Unique Player Rule
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are facing a tough situation with injuries to key pitchers. Manager Craig Counsell recently expressed his frustration over a rule that gives certain teams more flexibility in these scenarios.
During a pregame briefing at Wrigley Field, Counsell highlighted a rule associated with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This rule allows designated two-way players to pitch without counting against the team’s active roster of pitchers. To qualify, a player must pitch at least 20 major-league innings and start 20 games as a position player or designated hitter.
Counsell called this rule “bizarre.” He stated that it mainly favors offensive play and provides a unique advantage to the Dodgers, a team known for its massive budget. He pointed out that while the Cubs are limited to 13 pitchers on their roster, the Dodgers can effectively carry Ohtani without using up a pitching spot. This makes it harder for teams like the Cubs, especially when key pitchers are sidelined due to injuries.
From Opening Day until August 31, MLB teams are capped at 13 pitchers on a 26-man roster, regardless of injuries. When rosters expand on September 1, that limit grows to 14 pitchers on a 28-man roster.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the rule, acknowledging that having a player like Ohtani certainly benefits his team. He stated that any team would welcome a player with Ohtani’s exceptional skills, emphasizing that he is a unique talent.
In recent years, rules have often shaped gameplay and team strategies. For instance, in 2021, Ohtani made history as the first player since Babe Ruth to be an effective two-way player in the MLB. His remarkable performance, a blend of hitting and pitching, has stirred debates about how the league should navigate rules affecting roster management.
While some fans argue that the rule enhances competition, others feel it creates an uneven playing field. Since Ohtani’s emergence, there has been growing interest in developing players who can both pitch and hit. As teams look for the next multi-talented athlete, this trend could reshape the future of baseball.
As the Cubs prepare for a series against the Dodgers this weekend, they must strategize not just against Ohtani’s left-handed batting but also his baserunning abilities. With the stakes high and playoffs approaching, every move counts for the Cubs.
For more information on MLB rules and player designations, visit the official MLB glossary here.
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Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB
