Craig Counsell Calling Shohei Ohtani Rule As “Bad” Angers Fans: “This Is Just Sour Grapes”

The Shohei Ohtani rule was introduced in 2022 which allowed two-way players to remain as the hitter in the game after being removed as the pitcher.

Craig Counsell Calling Shohei Ohtani Rule As “Bad” Angers Fans: “This Is Just Sour Grapes”

Craig Counsell and Shohei Ohtani (Image via Chicago Sun-Times/X/@OptaSTATS)

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is not a fan of the Shohei Ohtani rule. Before his team’s showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, the 55-year-old doubled down on this take regarding the rule and called it “bad.“

The Shohei Ohtani rule was introduced in 2022 for two-way players. As per this rule, a starting pitcher who is also the designated hitter (DH) is allowed to remain in the game as a hitter even if the player is removed as the pitcher.

Under this rule, a two-way player is not counted as a pitcher. In MLB, teams are allowed to have a maximum of 13 pitchers in their 26-man roster. Due to this rule, the Dodgers are allowed to carry 14 pitchers.

At the moment, Ohtani is the only active two-way player in the MLB. So the only team benefiting from this rule is the Dodgers.

Earlier this week, Counsell found himself in the spotlight after he made a comment regarding this rule. While speaking with the reporters on Monday, he claimed that there was one team in MLB that was getting special consideration because of it.

It’s a rule to help offense more than anything. … 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.

Craig Counsell said regarding Shohei Ohtani rule on Monday

On Friday, Counsell commented on this matter once again. He doubled down on this take and aimed at this rule. While he claimed that his words were not directed straight at the Japanese international, he did not hesitate to call out this ruling.

It’s not a Dodger thing. It’s not an Ohtani thing. It is a bad rule.

Craig Counsell told the reporters regarding Shohei Ohtani rule

This is not, however, the first time someone has questioned Ohtani-related rules. Earlier this month, the Toronto Blue Jays once again complained about the time the reigning National League MVP receives to get ready and return to the mound after batting.

Social media reacts to Craig Counsell’s comments against the Shohei Ohtani rule

Craig Counsell made it pretty clear that he did not like the Shohei Ohtani rule. He, though, found himself under backlash for this as social media users slammed him.

Craig Counsell and Shohei Ohtani
Craig Counsell and Shohei Ohtani (Image via X/@FoulTerritoryTV/X/@SleeperMLB)

Several X users raised the point that no one complained about this rule when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. Some raised questions regarding the mentality of Counsell. One user wrote, “this is just sour grapes,” while taking a shot at the Cubs manager.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

While Ohtani is having a slump in his offense, his pitching has been strong this year. In 4 games, he has a 2-0 record and a 0.38 ERA. In 24 innings, he has picked up 25 strikeouts and seems to be finding his top form as a pitcher once again.

Dave Roberts not surprised by comments regarding the Shohei Ohtani rule

The Shohei Ohtani rule became a topic of discussion once again following Craig Counsell’s strong words. When asked about the attention it had received in the past couple of days, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts claimed he was not surprised by it.

Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani
Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani (Image via Dodger Blue)

In the pre-game conference, Roberts expressed that he did not take Counsell’s comments as malicious. He, however, backed his team and mentioned that it was not a Dodgers rule.

Not surprised. … I don’t think he meant it maliciously … This is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei (Ohtani), it’s not a Dodger rule. This was implemented when he was with the Angels. Not surprising because he’s a very important player.

Dave Roberts said regarding Shohei Ohtani rule

Speaking of the game between the Cubs and the Dodgers, the Cubs took the series opener 6-4 after coming back from 4-0 down at Dodger Stadium. This marked their 10th straight win, the first time the team had won 10 games in a row since the World Series-winning season in 2016.

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