dailyloe.com – Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has criticized a Major League Baseball rule as bizarre. He specifically referenced a rule benefiting the Los Angeles Dodgers. The rule concerns roster construction related to star player Shohei Ohtani. It was discussed before a Cubs victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Major league teams are typically limited to 13 pitchers on their active roster. This 26-man roster rule applies from Opening Day through August 31. The limit increases to 14 pitchers from September 1 onward. Active player limits also rise to 28 at that time.
Shohei Ohtani is officially designated as a two-way player. This designation means he does not count as a pitcher on the roster. Consequently, the Los Angeles Dodgers can carry 14 other pitchers. The Dodgers are the reigning World Series champions.
Craig Counsell expressed confusion over the 13-pitcher limit. He stated he has never understood the reasoning for this restriction. Counsell shared his views before Monday’s 5-1 win. The game was against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything,” Counsell said. He was asked directly for his opinion on the matter. The Cubs manager provided this quote regarding the rule’s intent. He linked the pitcher limit to offensive production.
“And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both,” Counsell continued. He noted this team receives special consideration under the rule. “Which is probably the most bizarre rule,” he concluded. He emphasized this applies to “one team.”
The two-way player designation has specific criteria. A player must have pitched at least 20 innings. They must also have started at least 20 games as a position player or DH. Meeting these thresholds allows for the special roster status. This status is what Ohtani has achieved.
This rule creates a unique advantage for the Dodgers. They can utilize a full 14-pitcher staff while also having Ohtani. Ohtani contributes both as a hitter and a pitcher. Counsell’s comments highlight this perceived imbalance.
The critique centers on a single team’s exemption. Counsell finds the exception for one club to be strange. His remarks were made in Chicago on April 20, 2026. The story was reported by ESPN News Services.
