The two-way player designation, which allows Shohei Ohtani to play both baseball and pitch, has been criticised by Cubs manager Craig Counsell ahead of the weekend's Dodgers-Cubs series. Counsell argues that the two-ways player rule gives the Chicago Cubs an unfair advantage due to the Dodgers' six-man rotation, which is made possible due to their six-men rotation. Because Ohtsani qualifies as a two-time defending World Series champion, he is included on the team's roster as a position player, giving the Dodgers a full complement of 13 pitchers compared to 14 pitchers. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the rule, stating that it benefits them as an exceptional player. The rule, available to all players, was implemented in 2020 and was changed in 2024 to any previous season meeting criteria.