One notable development at the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season has been complaints from opposing managers regarding Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
You might recall that Ohtani began his career with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, where he showcased his unique skills as a two-way player—both pitching and hitting. To appropriately recognize the contributions of two-way players, particularly those with exceptional talent, the league established rules that allow such players to continue playing as designated hitters after being taken out as pitchers.
This effectively treats Ohtani as two separate characters: one as a batter and another as a pitcher. This rule was implemented back in 2019 to set a standard for Ohtani and others like him.
In 2022, MLB adjusted roster limits to 26 players, capping it at 13 pitchers and 13 batters. They also created a provision designating certain two-way players as not counting toward the maximum pitchers allowed, which was also when Ohtani was still with the Angels.
Strangely enough, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell voiced criticisms about these established rules in April 2026. A Dodgers executive responded to Counsell’s remarks in a recent interview, expressing clear displeasure.
During an interview with AM570, the Dodgers’ home radio station, the team’s president of baseball operations was asked about Counsell’s comments. He found it odd that Counsell would address it now after so long. The executive pointed out that teams’ feedback was sought before the rules were solidified, making Counsell’s complaints seem even more perplexing.
“I don’t know,” Friedman remarked. “It seemed very coincidental and strange that he felt the need to bring it up. When Shohei was with the Angels, MLB consulted many teams, including ours. I stated then that, from a competitive standpoint, I didn’t love it, but what’s best for Major League Baseball is for Shohei Ohtani to do whatever it takes to stay in the game.”
He added, “Previously, if he left the mound, then the batter had to come out too. We tried to think about what benefits the industry and Shohei’s play; it’s crucial for the game that he can play more and stay involved, which ultimately benefits the fans, right?”
If teams were indeed consulted about the rule, it raises the question: why the opposition now? It appears there may be a misunderstanding regarding these rules and the supposed advantage they provide the Dodgers. Jim Bowden, a former general manager and now a baseball commentator, seems to have been mistaken about some aspects.
“That was during his time with the Angels, concerning the 13-pitch rule. We have 13 pitchers, but I had to explain that we have relief pitchers. We don’t have nine relievers; we have eight, just like every team does. We have five starters too,” Friedman clarified. “It’s only when Shohei does his thing that it all clicks. We don’t have an excess of relievers.”
“It’s definitely an advantage, but it should be. What Shohei accomplishes is so distinctive, he deserves recognition. Everyone knows the Shohei rules and had equal chances to sign him two years ago. So I’m not quite sure where the Cubs were during that period or what Counsel believed at the time, but it feels odd to bring this up now.”
That’s what makes Counsell’s comments and subsequent fan backlash feel sort of out of place. Ohtani’s extraordinary talent lies in his remarkable batting and pitching skills, a unique benefit that remains regardless of roster restrictions. Thanks to Ohtani, the Dodgers can’t include an “extra” relief pitcher. They gain an edge when he follows his starting schedule. And the remarkable fact is, this edge holds true irrespective of limitations since no other team has a starter capable of achieving such stellar results—like a 0.38 ERA in the first month, for example. That’s why he commanded a $700 million contract, inline with his talent. The Cubs have a hefty budget; they had the opportunity to sign him and take advantage of these rules. Or they could develop their own two-way player. But now, years after these rules were established and benefiting the Angels, they’re upset. It’s quite a curious situation.
