Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized the 'Ohtani Rule,' calling it bizarre as discussions around it intensify in MLB. His comments come ahead of a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Key points
Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized the 'Ohtani Rule'
Counsell called the rule bizarre
Discussion around the rule has intensified in MLB
The comments come before a series against the Dodgers
Shohei OhtaniChicago CubsLos Angeles Dodgers
Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets the umpire before taking an at bat against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets the umpire before taking an at bat against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Counsell, in the lead-up to the Cubs’ series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, called the rule “bizarre.”
What is the “Ohtani Rule?”
The rule allows for a player to earn two-way player status by pitching in “at least 20 Major League innings” and “Plays at least 20 Major League games as a position player or designated hitter, with at least three plate appearances in each game in either the current or previous MLB season,” per MLB.
It was a provision added back in 2020, and it allows a player to not count as a pitcher, giving the team an extra pitcher spot.
Q&A
What is the 'Ohtani Rule' in MLB?
The 'Ohtani Rule' allows a designated hitter to be used for a player who pitches, enabling two-way players like Shohei Ohtani to participate more effectively.
Why did Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticize the 'Ohtani Rule'?
Counsell described the 'Ohtani Rule' as bizarre, indicating his disagreement with its implementation and the implications it has for the game.
How has the 'Ohtani Rule' affected MLB discussions?
The 'Ohtani Rule' has sparked renewed debate among MLB teams and managers regarding its fairness and impact on gameplay.
What teams are involved in the upcoming series related to the 'Ohtani Rule' discussion?
The upcoming series involves the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, where the 'Ohtani Rule' is expected to be a topic of conversation.
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Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets the umpire before taking an at bat against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets the umpire before taking an at bat against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The Cubs have been hit with the injury bug in the early part of the season, adding several pitchers to the injured list from the 40-man roster, which led Counsel to go off on a tangent about MLB roster rules.
What has Craig Counsel said about the rule?
“It’s a rule to help offense, 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 he gets special consideration, which is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts issued his own statement when asked about Counsell’s comments, defending the rule and challenging other teams to find two-way players.
“The thing is it certainly benefits us because we have the player,” Roberts said.
“But that’s something that, any team that had Ohtani would have that player. We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both. He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.”
Counsell’s new comments
Before the game against the Dodgers, Counsell took the sting out of his words by removing the connection to it being an Ohtani attack and reframing it in terms of the rule as a whole.
“This is not a Dodger thing. It’s not an Ohtani thing. It is a bad rule,” Cousnell said.
Roberts will likely be asked about it again, and his response will be interesting to watch. Luckily for the Cubs, they don’t get to face Ohtani the pitcher.
What do you think about the Ohtani rule and Counsell’s remarks?
