Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell called MLB's rule allowing the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers due to Shohei Ohtani "bizarre," noting the reigning MVP receives "special consideration" not available to other teams. The rule gives Dodgers an advantage by counting Ohtani as a two-way player rather than a pitcher, creating an exception to the standard 13-pitcher limit.

MLB allows 14 pitchers on rosters only after September 1st, but Ohtani's unique designation permits the defending champions this benefit year-round. The two-way player classification requires a minimum of 20 innings pitched and 20 starts as a position player or DH with at least three plate appearances per game - criteria only Ohtani currently meets among active players.

Counsell, who played 16 major league seasons, questioned why MLB implemented the rule to help offense yet only one team benefits. "There's not another player like that, but one team gets different rules," he said. The disparity highlights how roster management advantages can emerge from rule exceptions benefiting star players with rare skill combinations.