Analysis of Rules Disputes Regarding Two-Way Players in Major League Baseball

Apr 26, 2026, 22:01

Introduction

A disagreement has developed during the 2026 Major League Baseball season regarding the rules for two-way players, specifically focusing on the status of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.

Main Body

The current argument focuses on two specific league rules. The first rule, created in 2019, allows a two-way player to stay in a game as a designated hitter after they finish pitching. The second rule, introduced in 2022, states that qualified two-way players do not count toward the 13-pitcher roster limit. These rules were originally designed while Ohtani was with the Los Angeles Angels to make the two-way role possible. However, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized these rules in April 2026, questioning if they are still fair. Some experts agree, claiming that the roster exception allows the Dodgers to effectively have an extra pitcher, which creates an unfair advantage. To solve this, former Dodgers player Justin Turner suggested removing the 13-pitcher and 13-position player limits for all teams. He argued that this would remove the Dodgers' advantage while giving every team more flexibility with their rosters. On the other hand, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman defended the rules. He emphasized that the league asked for feedback from many teams before implementing these changes. Friedman asserted that the advantage is misunderstood, noting that the Dodgers use the same number of relief pitchers as other teams. Furthermore, he argued that Ohtani's ability to both pitch and hit is a rare skill that should be rewarded, adding that all teams had the same chance to sign Ohtani during free agency two years ago.

Conclusion

The situation remains a point of conflict between team managers and critics. It reflects a larger debate over whether special rules for unique athletes make the competition unfair for other teams.

Vocabulary Learning

advantage (n.)

a condition that gives a better position or benefit / a favorable circumstance優勢；好處

Example:Having an extra pitcher gives the Dodgers an advantage.

disagreement (n.)

difference of opinion / a state of being in conflict over a point不同意見；爭議

Example:The disagreement between the teams lasted for weeks.

exception (n.)

an instance that is excluded from a rule or general rule / a special case例外；特殊情況

Example:The rule has an exception for two‑way players.

flexibility (n.)

the ability to adapt or change easily / adaptability靈活性；彈性

Example:The proposed changes would increase roster flexibility.

misunderstood (adj.)

not correctly understood; misinterpreted / 被誤解被誤解的

Example:The advantage was misunderstood by some critics.

Sentence Learning

Some experts agree, claiming that the roster exception allows the Dodgers to effectively have an extra pitcher, which creates an unfair advantage.

Relative Clause: This clause adds extra information about the roster exception, explaining that it creates an unfair advantage.關係子句: 此子句為前述的 roster exception 提供額外說明，說明其造成不公平優勢。

These rules were originally designed while Ohtani was with the Los Angeles Angels to make the two‑way role possible.

Passive Voice: The sentence uses passive construction to focus on what was done to the rules rather than who did it.被動語態: 句子使用被動語態，將焦點放在規則上而非誰設計。

However, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized these rules in April 2026, questioning if they are still fair.

Contrast Conjunction: 'However' signals a contrast with the previous idea.對比連接詞: 'However' 用於表示與前述觀點的對比。

On the other hand, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman defended the rules.

Contrast Conjunction: 'On the other hand' introduces an opposing viewpoint.對比連接詞: 'On the other hand' 用於呈現相反觀點。

To solve this, former Dodgers player Justin Turner suggested removing the 13‑pitcher and 13‑position player limits for all teams.

Purpose Infinitive: 'To solve this' indicates the purpose of the following action.目的短語: 'To solve this' 表示行動的目的。