Dodgers' Dave Roberts has pointed response to 'Ohtani rule' critics

Yahoo Sports3h ago15 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended his team against criticism regarding the use of Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, stating that if others can't compete, they should adapt. The controversy arose after Brewers manager Craig Counsell claimed the rule gives the Dodgers an unfair advantage.

Key points

Dave Roberts defends Dodgers against Ohtani rule criticism
Brewers' Craig Counsell calls the rule 'bizarre'
Ohtani as a two-way player gives Dodgers an extra pitcher
Counsell suggests unfair advantage for Dodgers

Mentioned in this story

Dave RobertsCraig Counsell

Los Angeles DodgersMilwaukee BrewersShohei Ohtani

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has a message for anyone who thinks his team is bending MLB's rules regarding two-way players: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

The Dodgers came under fire recently from Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who took issue with a recent game in which Shohei Ohtani served as a starting pitcher, but wasn't also in the lineup as designated hitter.

Under MLB rules, two-way players don't count against the 13-pitcher roster limit. So Ohtani effectively gives the Dodgers one more pitcher than any other team.

Before the Brewers' game on Monday, April 20, Counsell called the rule "bizarre" and suggested it gives the Dodgers an unfair advantage. "There’s not another player like that," Counsell said, "but one team gets different rules for that player."

Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.

Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers , to advance to the World Series.

Q&A

What is the 'Ohtani rule' in MLB?

The 'Ohtani rule' allows two-way players like Shohei Ohtani to not count against the 13-pitcher roster limit, effectively giving teams an extra pitcher.

Why did Craig Counsell criticize the Dodgers' use of Ohtani?

Counsell criticized the Dodgers for using Ohtani as a starting pitcher without him also being in the lineup as a designated hitter, calling the rule 'bizarre' and suggesting it gives the Dodgers an unfair advantage.

How does the 'Ohtani rule' impact team rosters in MLB?

The 'Ohtani rule' allows teams with two-way players to have one more pitcher than the standard roster limit, potentially altering team strategies and competitive balance.

What was Dave Roberts' response to the criticism of the Dodgers?

Dave Roberts responded by saying that if others can't beat the Dodgers, they should join them, emphasizing that the rules are in place and teams should adapt.