Dodgers executive defends 'Ohtani Rule' after Craig Counsell criticism

10 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 26

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman responded to Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s April 2026 criticism, emphasizing that all MLB teams, including the Dodgers, were consulted before the rule’s 2019 adoption.
Friedman clarified that the rule, which allows two-way players like Shohei Ohtani to remain as designated hitters after pitching, does not give the Dodgers an unfair roster advantage.
He argued Ohtani’s unique abilities warrant such recognition, noting every team had equal opportunity to sign Ohtani and benefit from the rule, which was designed to promote two-way talent in MLB.

Since Shohei Ohtani is the only qualifying player, is it time for MLB to rethink its two-way player rule?

Was MLB right to let Ohtani keep his two-way status after not pitching for a full season due to injury?

Would removing MLB's pitcher limit for all teams be the best fix for this controversy?

How will the 'Ohtani Rule' affect how teams develop and pay future two-way players?

Is the criticism of the 'Ohtani Rule' a valid concern or just sour grapes against the Dodgers?

Do rules designed for one superstar ultimately help or hurt a sport's integrity?