MLB's 'Ohtani Rules' explained: Baseball benefits despite Cubs manager's complaints

No reason to end the griping, sniping and debating over the so-called "Ohtani Rules. " Not until there’s time to better understand the issue, which bubbled to the surface this week after Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made remarks that triggered a question laced with conspiracy. If and why are Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers getting preferential treatment from Major League Baseball?

“First of all, Ohtani is a treasure, right? " Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, told USA TODAY Sports. No debate there, and here’s what you need to know about the rules: MLB teams are allowed to carry only 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster, with one exception.

Teams can carry 14 pitchers if one of them qualifies as a two-way player. Ohtani, 31, is the only player in the major leagues who qualifies as a two-way player under MLB criteria (more on that later). That means the Dodgers are currently the only team that qualifies for the exception With 14 pitchers on their roster, the Dodgers get an extra arm that rivals don't have the luxury of.

Another rule introduced since Ohtani came to America allows a two-way player who has finished pitching to remain in the game as a designated hitter rather than require him to play in the field. Duquette suggests the "Ohtani Rules" are in baseball’s best interest. “He is the most marketable player in the game around the world," Duquette said.