Andrew Friedman Advocates for MLB Rule Change to Enhance Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Contributions
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, is urging Major League Baseball to reconsider its rules regarding two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. At a recent press conference, Friedman expressed that the current regulations hinder Ohtani’s ability to maximize his impact in crucial games, particularly as the Dodgers gear up for the postseason.
Navigating the Ohtani Rule
During an interview with a local reporter, Friedman pointed out a significant quirk in the rule that allows Ohtani to serve as a designated hitter (DH) after being removed from a starting pitching role. However, if he is taken out of a game as a relief pitcher, he is unable to remain in the lineup as a DH. Friedman believes this limitation “missed the mark” and deserves a closer look, especially as the Dodgers strategize their postseason plans.
Ohtani’s recent performances on the mound have been stellar. In his last two starts, he showcased his elite talent by surrendering just one run over 8.2 innings while striking out 14 batters, a clear indication of his value as a starter. In contrast, the Dodgers have struggled since the All-Star break, sitting at a .500 record of 26-27, highlighted by a recent extra-innings loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dodgers’ Rotation Dilemma
The conversation around Ohtani’s usage is becoming increasingly pertinent, particularly as the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch a playoff berth decreases. The team’s rotation, which includes Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Emmet Sheehan, is currently performing well. Since August 1, the starters have achieved an impressive 18-9 record alongside a league-best 3.19 ERA. In contrast, the bullpen has struggled significantly, posting a 3-11 record with a 4.03 ERA, marking them as one of the weakest units in the league.
As the postseason approaches, the Dodgers face tough decisions about which pitchers will transition to relief roles. While it remains uncertain who among the rotation will take on bullpen responsibilities, one thing is clear: Ohtani’s unique skill set makes him an essential asset. The Dodgers cannot afford to lose his offensive contributions if he is removed from a game as a reliever.
Future Considerations for Ohtani
Friedman voiced his desire for the “Ohtani rule” to be revised, allowing him to remain in the game even after a relief appearance, although he acknowledged that such changes are more appropriate for the offseason rather than during the heat of the regular season. “Obviously, it’s not reasonable for us to ask for that in-season,” Friedman noted, recognizing the complexities of altering rules mid-campaign.
Currently, Ohtani holds a record of 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA across 12 starts this season. Following a year in which he did not pitch at all, the Dodgers have carefully managed his workload, gradually increasing it from an “opener” role to a more traditional starting position. This cautious approach, however, has resulted in an average of just three innings per start—an aspect that could significantly influence the Dodgers’ postseason rotation strategy.
As of now, if the regular season were to conclude, the Dodgers would face off against the New York Mets in a best-of-three postseason series. However, with several weeks remaining before the playoffs, the Dodgers have time to navigate the complexities of Ohtani’s role and the limitations imposed by MLB’s current regulations. The stakes are high, and how they adapt could determine their success in October.
