Why did Cubs call MLB Ohtani rule bizarre?

Cubs manager targets a special Dodgers staffing rule

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized a Major League Baseball rule tied to Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers, calling it “bizarre.” The rule in question lets the Dodgers carry an extra pitcher—14 pitchers—because of Ohtani.

What the criticism is about

In normal MLB roster construction, teams don’t have unlimited flexibility to add pitchers. Counsell’s point is that this specific exception creates a competitive imbalance by giving one club a roster advantage not afforded broadly to other teams.

Why it matters competitively

The early impact goes beyond the Dodgers’ immediate pitching usage. If a team can keep an additional pitcher available because of one player’s status, it can change how the bullpen is managed—how many arms are kept fresh, how long starters can go, and how bullpen matchups are planned.

Why the Dodgers’ context keeps coming up

The Dodgers’ situation is especially notable in the context of their season needs, since roster flexibility can be valuable over long stretches where injuries and workload management affect performance. Counsell’s comments therefore connect directly to how teams build their pitching depth and how exceptions can ripple through day-to-day strategy.

Bottom line

Counsell’s “bizarre” label reflects a broader concern that the league has created a rule exception that singles out the Dodgers’ Ohtani-related situation. The result is more roster flexibility for one team, which can have real consequences for bullpen management and matchup advantages throughout the season.