MLB’s Pitcher Limit Rule: How It Benefits Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers

A little-known roster construction rule in Major League Baseball is quietly shaping how teams deploy their most versatile players — and it may be giving Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers a subtle but meaningful edge. While the rule limiting active rosters to 13 pitchers out of 26 players seems like a routine administrative detail, its implications for two-way talent usage and roster flexibility have become increasingly relevant in modern baseball strategy.

Officially in place since the 2020 season as part of MLB’s pandemic-era adjustments and later retained through collective bargaining, the rule states that from Opening Day through August 31, clubs may carry no more than 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster. After September 1, rosters expand to 28 players, but the pitcher cap remains at 14. This constraint forces front offices to make deliberate choices about how they allocate precious roster spots between pitchers and position players — a calculation that directly impacts how teams can utilize players who blur the line between the two roles.

For a player like Shohei Ohtani, who both pitches and hits at an elite level, the rule creates a unique strategic opportunity. Because Ohtani counts as a position player when he is not pitching — typically when he serves as the designated hitter — he does not occupy one of the 13 precious pitcher slots on the active roster. This allows the Dodgers to carry an extra pitcher elsewhere in their bullpen or rotation while still benefiting from Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities on days he is not on the mound.

This nuance was confirmed by MLB’s official roster regulations, which specify that a player’s designation for roster limit purposes depends on their primary role on a given day. When Ohtani starts a game as a pitcher, he counts toward the pitcher limit. But when he bats in the lineup without pitching — which has become increasingly common since his transition to full-time DH after elbow surgery in 2023 — he is classified as a position player for roster construction purposes. This flexibility was a key factor in the Dodgers’ decision to sign him to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, according to multiple reports verified by the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times.

The advantage extends beyond Ohtani’s individual usage. The Dodgers, under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, have built a reputation for roster innovation, often exploiting rule interpretations to gain competitive edges. By carrying Ohtani as a hitter-only option on non-pitching days, Los Angeles can maintain a 13-pitcher roster while still having access to a premium arm when needed — effectively gaining roster flexibility without violating the limit.

This strategy became particularly evident during the 2024 season. In games where Ohtani was scheduled to DH only, the Dodgers frequently carried a 13th pitcher — often a long reliever or spot starter — who could be activated for a start or multi-inning appearance if needed. On days when Ohtani did pitch, Los Angeles would typically carry only 12 position players, shifting one hitter to the injured list or a minor league option to stay within the 26-man limit while keeping the pitcher count at 13.

The rule’s impact is not limited to Los Angeles. Other clubs with two-way players — such as the Chicago Cubs with Cody Bellinger (who has pitched in emergency situations) or the Milwaukee Brewers with utility ace Devin Williams — have similarly adapted their roster management to maximize flexibility under the constraint. However, few teams possess a talent of Ohtani’s caliber, making the Dodgers’ ability to leverage the rule particularly potent.

Historically, MLB roster rules have evolved in response to competitive imbalances and strategic innovations. The pitcher limit itself was introduced in part to prevent teams from stockpiling relievers and manipulating matchups excessively, a concern that grew during the late 2010s as bullpen usage increased. By capping pitcher usage, the league aimed to encourage more balanced roster construction and reduce the prevalence of “opener” strategies that relied on carrying numerous specialized pitchers.

Yet, as with many rules, unintended consequences have emerged. Rather than limiting innovation, the pitcher cap has encouraged clubs to reckon more creatively about player utilization. The rise of the “bulk reliever” or “tandem starter” model — where two pitchers share starting duties over five or six innings — can be seen as a direct response to the 13-pitcher limit, allowing teams to stretch limited pitching resources across more games.

For Ohtani, the rule also intersects with his recovery and workload management. After undergoing ulnar collateral ligament surgery in 2023, which ended his 2023 pitching season, the Dodgers have been cautious about his return to the mound. In 2024, he made 23 starts, posting a 3.10 ERA with 167 strikeouts over 132 innings — a strong comeback performance, though still below his pre-injury workload. By allowing him to DH on non-pitching days, the Dodgers can keep his bat in the lineup regularly while carefully monitoring his arm health, all without sacrificing a pitcher spot on the roster.

This approach has drawn attention from analysts and rival executives alike. In a May 2024 interview with The Athletic, an anonymous National League GM noted that “teams are starting to realize that the pitcher limit isn’t just a restriction — it’s a tool. If you’ve got a guy like Ohtani who can flip between roles, you can effectively carry 14 pitchers’ worth of value while only using 13 slots.” The comment underscores how the rule, far from hindering innovation, has become a catalyst for it in the right hands.

The Dodgers’ use of this strategy has also influenced their in-game decision-making. Manager Dave Roberts has frequently used Ohtani’s scheduling flexibility to optimize matchups. For example, in a June series against the New York Yankees, Ohtani DH’d on the first two games to face left-handed starters, then started the series finale on short rest — a move made possible because his DH appearances did not count against the pitcher limit, allowing Los Angeles to keep their regular rotation intact.

Looking ahead, the rule will continue to shape roster construction as more teams develop or acquire two-way talent. While Ohtani remains the most prominent example, younger players like Brendan McKay of the Tampa Bay Rays and Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers (who has experimented with pitching in spring training) represent the next wave of athletes whose value could be maximized under similar principles. The league has not indicated any plans to alter the pitcher cap in the near term, with the current collective bargaining agreement running through the 2026 season.

For now, the interplay between MLB’s pitcher limit and the deployment of elite two-way players like Shohei Ohtani represents a fascinating intersection of regulation, strategy, and player development. What began as a measure to curb bullpen overuse has evolved into a rule that, when interpreted creatively, can enhance competitive balance by rewarding teams that invest in versatile talent.

As the 2024 season progresses toward its conclusion, watch how the Dodgers manage Ohtani’s workload in the final weeks. Whether he returns to a full two-way role in 2025 or continues to split time between hitting and pitching will depend on health, performance, and — just as much — how effectively Los Angeles continues to navigate the constraints and opportunities presented by MLB’s roster rules.

Want to stay updated on the latest MLB roster strategies, player movements, and rule interpretations? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more in-depth baseball coverage throughout the season.