Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Calls MLB's Two-Way Player Rule a Bad Rule

He described the rule as a bad rule and encouraged discussion on the topic. The rule allows teams to carry more than 13 pitchers if a player is classified as a two-way player. Counsell had previously called the exception bizarre, noting that it provides different rules for one team due to a unique player. He made these comments last week.

manager Dave Roberts responded to Counsell's remarks, stating that the comments were likely influenced by the Cubs' current pitching staff issues, with 11 pitchers on the injured list. Roberts said the rule is not specific to the Dodgers and was implemented when the player was with the Angels.

He added that other teams could seek similar players. Roberts defended the rule earlier in the week, describing the player as exceptional and the rule as applicable to such cases.

MLB regulations, teams are limited to 13 pitchers on their rosters, but two-way players do not count against this limit. Counsell declined to elaborate further on why he views it as a bad rule during a press interaction before a game against the Dodgers. The discussion arose ahead of a three-game series between the Cubs and Dodgers.