Andrew Friedman addressed Cubs manager Craig Counsell's criticism of the Ohtani Rule, which allows two-way players to retain their lineup spot. Friedman defended the rule, stating it benefits the game and fans.
Key points
Andrew Friedman responded to Craig Counsell's criticism of the Ohtani Rule
The Ohtani Rule allows two-way players to retain their lineup spot
Counsell believes the rule gives an unfair advantage to one team
Friedman defended the rule as beneficial for the game and fans
Shohei Ohtani is performing exceptionally well this season
Mentioned in this story
Andrew FriedmanCraig Counsell
Los Angeles DodgersChicago Cubs
Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers Andrew Friedman congratulates pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers Andrew Friedman congratulates pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman responded to Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s qualms about the “Ohtani Rule.”
Ahead of the Dodgers’ series against the Chicago Cubs, Counsell spoke about the rule and the unfair advantage it gives to “one team.” MLB Rule 5.11(b), the Ohtani rule, states players designated as two-way players who start games and play designated hitter can exit the game as a pitcher but retain their spot in the lineup.
Read the Full Ohtani Rule (MLB Rule 5.11(b))
“Starting Pitcher as Designated Hitter. It is not mandatory that a Club designate a hitter for the pitcher. However, in the event the starting pitcher will bat for himself, the player will be considered two separate people for purposes of Rule 5.11(a). In such cases, the manager should list 10 players on his team’s lineup card, and this player should be named twice – once as the starting pitcher and once as the Designated Hitter. Thus, if the starting pitcher is replaced, he can continue as the Designated Hitter (but can no longer pitch in the game), and if the Designated Hitter is replaced, he can continue as the pitcher (but can no longer hit for himself). If the player is simultaneously replaced both as a starting pitcher and Designated Hitter, he cannot be replaced by another two?way player filling both roles as separate people (this can be done only once on the initial lineup card by identifying that the starting pitcher will bat for himself).”
“There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player,” .
“…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.”
Mar 28, 2025; , California, USA; President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers Andrew Friedman congratulates pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
During the Dodgers’ series against the Cubs, Counsell doubled down on his standing against the rule.
“Look, this is not a Dodger thing, it’s not an Ohtani thing,” . “It is a bad rule.”
Ahead of the second game of the series between the teams, Friedman voiced his opinion on Counsell’s comments.
“It felt very random to me that he felt the need to bring it up,” Friedman said. “…Shohei playing and playing more often, staying in games is what is best for this game and best for the fans and everything else.”
Q&A
What is the Ohtani Rule in MLB?
The Ohtani Rule allows designated two-way players to exit a game as a pitcher while retaining their spot in the lineup.
Why did Craig Counsell criticize the Ohtani Rule?
Counsell criticized the Ohtani Rule for giving an unfair advantage to one team, suggesting it is a bizarre rule that benefits only the Dodgers.
How did Andrew Friedman respond to Counsell's comments?
Friedman found Counsell's remarks random and emphasized that having Shohei Ohtani in the game is beneficial for baseball and fans.
What are Shohei Ohtani's current performance stats?
Ohtani has a 0.38 ERA as a pitcher and an .800 OPS at the plate, showcasing his exceptional skills in both roles.
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Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers Andrew Friedman congratulates pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Who Else Has Spoken Out Against Craig Counsell’s Comments?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts first spoke out earlier in the week about the comments. He admitted the Dodgers benefitted from the rule, but that it isn’t their fault.
“The thing is it certainly benefits us because we have the player.” Roberts said. “…We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both,” he said. “He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.”
Ohtani has been spectacular on the mound and with a bat so far this season, posting Cy Young-worthy numbers as a pitcher with a 0.38 ERA through four starts and an .800 OPS at the plate. He is a key piece of the Dodgers’ lineup and pitching staff, and will hope to continue providing for LA as the season progresses.
His next opportunity to do so comes against the Cubs in their series finale Sunday at 1:10 p.m. PT.
What do you think of Friedman’s response to the comments?