'If you have a problem, find a two-way player yourself!' Roberts fires back at Ohtani's 'special treatment' complaint

*This content was translated by AI.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (54) fired a direct shot at Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (56), who criticized Shohei Ohtani (32)'s two-way play as "special treatment."

According to multiple media outlets, including the New York Post and The Athletic, reporting on the 21st (Korean time), a controversy over Ohtani's two-way play has recently erupted in the United States. The controversy began with Counsell's remarks.

During a media briefing at Wrigley Field that day, Counsell described MLB's "Two-way Player Designated Rule" as "bizarre." Under Major League rules, two-way players who meet certain qualifications are not included in the maximum pitcher quota (13 players) on a roster. Counsell responded by calling it "essentially a rule designed to aid offense," adding, "Only one team is being given special consideration for holding both a pitcher and a batter with a single player. Different rules are being applied for just that one player," effectively targeting the Dodgers.

Roberts chose to confront Counsell's complaint head-on. After hearing the remarks, Roberts began his response by acknowledging, "It is true that we benefit significantly from having Ohtani."

He continued, "That is something any team with Ohtani can enjoy," and added, "Our team would also welcome any other team finding and signing a player who can play both pitcher and batter, just like Ohtani."

Roberts further emphasized, "The reason Ohtani is subject to exceptional rules is because he is an exceptional player," clearly stating that the player's unique ability is the basis for the rule. This was a direct shot implying, "Don't just complain; go get a player like that."

Roberts' remarks are interpreted as a clear defense of the team's star player, directly countering Counsell's complaints. Given that Ohtani has demonstrated overwhelming offensive power with 52 consecutive games on base while also fulfilling his duties as a solid starting pitcher, it appears the intent is to ensure his performance remains unaffected.

In reality, Ohtani was signed by the Dodgers thanks to their immense financial power. Ahead of the 2024 season, he joined the Dodgers under a 10-year contract worth $700 million (approximately 1.0324 trillion won). Thanks to this, he has served as a "bonus pitcher" in the Dodgers' roster management, bringing significant benefits to the team.

The indirect verbal sparring between the two managers ahead of the three-game series against the Cubs starting on the 25th vividly demonstrates just how much Ohtani is shaking up the Major League landscape. Ultimately, the envious glances directed at Ohtani ironically serve as further proof of just how irreplaceable he is in Major League Baseball.

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*This content was translated by AI.