'He will come back strong': RR coach backs Riyan Parag amid lean patch in IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals coach Vikram Rathour supports Riyan Parag during his IPL 2026 slump.
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani calls for changes to the 'Shohei Ohtani Rule' amid team struggles. The Dodgers recently lost two series to rivals and aim to regain momentum against the Chicago Cubs.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media after a game against the Miami Marlins where he became the first MLB player to have at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season at loanDepot park on September 19, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit a bit of a rough patch recently, dropping two consecutive series to division rivals in the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants.
Now, as they look to build up some momentum with a win against the Chicago Cubs, the team has also found itself in the crosshairs of an evolving debate about preferential treatment for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
MORE FROM FORBESPhillies Boss Makes Rare Early-Season Move With Season In CrisisBy Peter Chawaga
The 'Shohei Ohtani Rule' refers to regulations that allow two-way players to be treated differently in terms of roster management and contracts.
Ohtani is advocating for changes to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for two-way players in Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers have struggled recently, losing two consecutive series to the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants.
Shohei Ohtani became the first MLB player to achieve at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
Rajasthan Royals coach Vikram Rathour supports Riyan Parag during his IPL 2026 slump.
Ajax is looking to sign a youth talent from Barcelona following Jordi Cruyff's appointment as technical director. Cruyff aims to strengthen the team by focusing on young players.
NY Mets announce lineup for doubleheader against Rockies today at 1:40 p.m.

Gianluca Rocchi suspends himself amid sporting fraud investigation

See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
âChicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell isnât the only person in baseball bothered by the rule that allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry an extra pitcher because of Shohei Ohtaniâs designation as a two-way player,â The Athleticâs Ken Rosenthal wrote, following some outspoken complaints about the so-called âShohei Ohtani ruleâ from Counsell. âMany in the game are fine with the accommodations made for Ohtani, the best and most unique player in the sport. Some, though, are frustrated that the rule allowing Ohtaniâs team to carry a 14th pitcher extends his already outsized impact. Still, others view his ability to remain in the lineup as a DH once he is done pitching as an inequity all its own.â
The Dodgers have captured consecutive World Series championships since signing Ohtani, who has been everything the team could have hoped for in the batterâs box, on the mound and as a draw for lucrative advertising deals. But as the team pursues a third-straight title, critics of the special treatment he is afforded by the rule book are growing louder.
Most recently, two-time Dodgers All-Star Justin Turner called for a change to the special rule.
âThe solution is to get rid of the 13 x 13 rule for everyone,â Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a question about the rule posed by Dodgers Talkâs David Vassegh. âLet the teams structure their roster however they see best for them. Itâs not about what the Dodgers get to do. Itâs what the other 29 teams donât get to do.â
Turner was referring to the standing MLB rule that allows teams to have a maximum of 13 pitchers in addition to 13 position players on their 26-man big-league rosters. Because Ohtani pitches and serves as the designated hitter, the Dodgers can, in a sense, carry a fourteenth pitcher on their roster because Ohtani is counted as one of the 13 position players that they are allowed.
If MLB were to eliminate the 13-pitcher maximum for all teams, that advantage would be lessened, which might satisfy the special ruleâs critics. But it would also reduce the value Ohtani is bringing to the Dodgers, the team where Turner spent nine seasons.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com