Major League Baseball's roster rules are under scrutiny due to Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented two-way player status. While MLB typically allows 13 pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers carry 14, listing Ohtani as a two-way player, not solely a pitcher.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his view, suggesting Ohtani receives "special consideration." He stated, "And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule. ... For one team."
The two-way player designation requires a player to have at least 20 innings pitched and 20 starts as a position player or designated hitter in the current or preceding two seasons. Ohtani is currently the only player to meet these criteria.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the rule, asserting it's available to any team willing to find a player capable of performing at Ohtani's level. "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," Roberts commented.
MLB has previously adjusted rules to accommodate players like Ohtani, including a change allowing starting pitchers in the batting lineup to remain as designated two-way players even after being removed from the mound. This unique status has drawn attention during recent games.