During his pregame media session Monday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell mentioned that he thought it ‘‘bizarre’’ that the Dodgers benefit from a Shohei Ohtani-inspired rule that doesn’t require them to count him as a pitcher on their 26-man roster.
Major-league teams are allowed to have a maximum of 13 pitchers on their active roster from Opening Day through Aug. 31. For the balance of the season, teams are allowed to have 14 pitchers and 28 active players.
Ohtani, however, is designated as a two-way player, which means he isn’t counted against the Dodgers’ allotment of pitchers. So, in reality, they are carrying 14 pitchers.
‘‘It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘And then there’s one team that is allowed to carry basically one of both, and he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule . . . for one team.’’
Counsell’s comments made it out to the Dodgers, who were playing in Denver.
‘‘The thing is, it certainly benefits us because we have the player,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to published reports. ‘‘We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both. He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.’’
Counsell first in Chicago seniority
In the wake of Billy Donovan’s departure Tuesday after six seasons as the coach of the Bulls, it immediately was noted on social media that Counsell has seniority over all other members of the Chicago professional coaching community.
Counsell, 55, was hired by the Cubs on Nov. 6, 2023, and is in his third season as their manager. Bears coach Ben Johnson and Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill each completed their first seasons in Chicago. White Sox manager Will Venable is in his second season, and Sky coach Tyler Marsh is about to begin his second season. Gregg Berhalter of the Fire is in his second season, too.
‘‘I’ve never met Billy Donovan,’’ Counsell said before the game against the Phillies. ‘‘Seems like he has a good reputation.’’
Little Big Mac
Mason McGwire, a son of 12-time All-Star slugger Mark McGwire, is a 6-4 right-hander in the Cubs’ farm system. He was selected by the Cubs in the eighth round of the 2022 draft.
McGwire, 22, didn’t pitch in 2025 because of arm surgery and is still in Single-A, pitching for Myrtle Beach. He drew some positive notices after allowing one hit in four scoreless innings Sunday against Kannapolis, the Single-A affiliate of the Sox. He walked none and struck out five and has a 0.90 ERA (one earned run in 10 innings) after four appearances.
Notes
Reliever Porter Hodge had surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow with an internal brace. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, who created the technique and recently did the same surgery on Cubs right-hander Cade Horton and Sox outfielder Brooks Baldwin.
What does a UCL internal brace look like? It’s a collagen-dipped fiber tape to augment the UCL ligament repair, which typically involves a tendon graft. It’s done with the goal of accelerating recovery and preventing it from tearing again.
• Closer Daniel Palencia had an MRI exam, which confirmed a strained lat on his left side. Counsell said the Cubs hoped Palencia might resume throwing before they leave on their West Coast trip after the game Thursday.
The Cubs have won six straight, eclipsing their longest streak of 2025 and matching the six-game streak they reeled off from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, 2024.
Little was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and got to shake hands when he pitched the ninth inning of the Cubs’ 11-2 win over the Phillies in Philadelphia last Wednesday. He gave up a home run to Bryce Harper that night.
About the Author
Discover more from USA NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
