NFL Draft 2026: 4 best and 3 worst team hauls of Day 1 Someway, somehow, the city of Pittsburgh crammed 320,000 people on the North Shore and broke the NFL Draft attendance record, all while the most overdone stereotypical tropes of the city were mentioned. Roger Goodell said “yinz” as my eyes rolled so hard I thought they’d get stuck in the back of my head like The Undertaker taking off his hat. And I’m sure Primanti Brothers was mentioned no less than a dozen times over the week of respective draft coverage, as well as the occasional explanation of what a pierogi is while “Renegade” played for the umpteenth time.Check out our second round mock draft and our list of the best available players after the first round here.Cynicism aside, 32 players were drafted on Thursday. Some teams deserve a hefty pat on the back for the selection(s) they made. Others not so much. Let’s dive in.No. 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateNo. 30: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, AuburnIt was surprising to see Carnell Tate go No. 4 to Tennessee, but it makes so much sense. Look who Cam Ward was throwing to last year. Chig Okonkwo led the team in receiving yards with 560. Gunnar Helm, Chimere Dike, Eric Ayomanor. No, that is not the cast of CSI: Santa Fe on CBS, they are the actual factual pass-catchers Ward was expected to win games with in 2025. Tate slots in as the immediate No. 1 target, alongside a recently-signed Wan’Dale Robinson. Trading back into the first round for Kendrick Faulk also gives them a nice addition to their defensive line.No. 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateYou should be entitled to financial compensation if you’re a Steelers fan at this point. Per Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh was on the phone with Makai Lemon getting ready to draft him when Howie Roseman and the Eagles traded one spot in front of Pittsburgh, flipped them two massive birds, and took Lemon. Keep in mind, the Steelers had 12 picks entering the draft, more than any team in the NFL, and could have moved up to get Lemon. Instead, they got jumped by the most aggressive GM in football and were left to panic pick Max Iheanachor, a raw offensive tackle out of Arizona State whom they could have selected if they traded down. Not moving up for Lemon, not taking a receiver, and turning in this embarrassed shoulder shrug of a pick is why the Steelers continue to be the most elite mediocre team in professional sports.No. 14: Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn StateAnd to make matters worse for Steelers fans, they get to watch the Ravens get the best guard in the draft without having to do anything. Vega Ioane is such a Ravens pick, and he’s probably going to be a multiple-time All-Pro.No. 3: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameHave the Cardinals not learned from teams like the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers? When you’re a bad team, you don’t draft a running back in the top five. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine on a tricycle. Their roster is bad, they have no quarterback, and Jeremiyah Love isn’t going to fix that. Running backs aren’t the sundae of NFL teams, they are the cherry on top of teams that are already established and can help push them over the top. Even if Love is a stud, this will end the same way it did for Christian McCaffrey in Carolina and Saquon Barkley in New York.Washington Commanders: GoodNo. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateSonny Styles to Washington is one of my favorite picks of the night. Considering they were trotting out the fossil of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who regressed after a very strong showing in 2024, the Commanders needed someone to put in the middle of their defense, and they got perhaps the most athletic player at his position in the class. Job well done.No. 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas TechNo. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OretonI like the selection of David Bailey, but what are the Jets doing taking a tight end at No. 16? Kenyon Sadiq may be very good, but that’s not the problem. Brock Bowers is a top five tight end in football and the Raiders still stink. A tight end isn’t turning the Jets around. There were plenty of other more notable players at more premium positions, and they just used a second round pick on Mason Taylor a year ago.No. 8: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateI’ll call it right now – the Saints are winning the NFC South. I have loved everything they’ve done this offseason. Signing Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Kaden Elliss were three of my favorite free agent moves, and now they add Tyson – perhaps the most explosive receiver in this class – to put opposite Chris Olave. If Tyler Shough continues his play from the final month and a half of the 2025 season, this Saints team could surprise a lot of people. #NFL #Draft #worst #team #hauls #Day

NFL Draft 2026: 4 best and 3 worst team hauls of Day 1
Someway, somehow, the city of Pittsburgh crammed 320,000 people on the North Shore and broke the NFL Draft attendance record, all while the most overdone stereotypical tropes of the city were mentioned. Roger Goodell said “yinz” as my eyes rolled so hard I thought they’d get stuck in the back of my head like The Undertaker taking off his hat. And I’m sure Primanti Brothers was mentioned no less than a dozen times over the week of respective draft coverage, as well as the occasional explanation of what a pierogi is while “Renegade” played for the umpteenth time.
Check out our second round mock draft and our list of the best available players after the first round here.
Cynicism aside, 32 players were drafted on Thursday. Some teams deserve a hefty pat on the back for the selection(s) they made. Others not so much. Let’s dive in.
No. 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
No. 30: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
It was surprising to see Carnell Tate go No. 4 to Tennessee, but it makes so much sense. Look who Cam Ward was throwing to last year. Chig Okonkwo led the team in receiving yards with 560. Gunnar Helm, Chimere Dike, Eric Ayomanor. No, that is not the cast of CSI: Santa Fe on CBS, they are the actual factual pass-catchers Ward was expected to win games with in 2025. Tate slots in as the immediate No. 1 target, alongside a recently-signed Wan’Dale Robinson. Trading back into the first round for Kendrick Faulk also gives them a nice addition to their defensive line.
No. 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
You should be entitled to financial compensation if you’re a Steelers fan at this point. Per Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh was on the phone with Makai Lemon getting ready to draft him when Howie Roseman and the Eagles traded one spot in front of Pittsburgh, flipped them two massive birds, and took Lemon. Keep in mind, the Steelers had 12 picks entering the draft, more than any team in the NFL, and could have moved up to get Lemon. Instead, they got jumped by the most aggressive GM in football and were left to panic pick Max Iheanachor, a raw offensive tackle out of Arizona State whom they could have selected if they traded down. Not moving up for Lemon, not taking a receiver, and turning in this embarrassed shoulder shrug of a pick is why the Steelers continue to be the most elite mediocre team in professional sports.
No. 14: Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn State
And to make matters worse for Steelers fans, they get to watch the Ravens get the best guard in the draft without having to do anything. Vega Ioane is such a Ravens pick, and he’s probably going to be a multiple-time All-Pro.
No. 3: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Have the Cardinals not learned from teams like the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers? When you’re a bad team, you don’t draft a running back in the top five. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine on a tricycle. Their roster is bad, they have no quarterback, and Jeremiyah Love isn’t going to fix that. Running backs aren’t the sundae of NFL teams, they are the cherry on top of teams that are already established and can help push them over the top. Even if Love is a stud, this will end the same way it did for Christian McCaffrey in Carolina and Saquon Barkley in New York.
Washington Commanders: Good
No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles to Washington is one of my favorite picks of the night. Considering they were trotting out the fossil of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who regressed after a very strong showing in 2024, the Commanders needed someone to put in the middle of their defense, and they got perhaps the most athletic player at his position in the class. Job well done.
No. 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
No. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oreton
I like the selection of David Bailey, but what are the Jets doing taking a tight end at No. 16? Kenyon Sadiq may be very good, but that’s not the problem. Brock Bowers is a top five tight end in football and the Raiders still stink. A tight end isn’t turning the Jets around. There were plenty of other more notable players at more premium positions, and they just used a second round pick on Mason Taylor a year ago.
No. 8: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I’ll call it right now – the Saints are winning the NFC South. I have loved everything they’ve done this offseason. Signing Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Kaden Elliss were three of my favorite free agent moves, and now they add Tyson – perhaps the most explosive receiver in this class – to put opposite Chris Olave. If Tyler Shough continues his play from the final month and a half of the 2025 season, this Saints team could surprise a lot of people.
#NFL #Draft #worst #team #hauls #Day

Sports news nfl April 24, 2026

Someway, somehow, the city of Pittsburgh crammed 320,000 people on the North Shore and broke the NFL Draft attendance record, all while the most overdone stereotypical tropes of the city were mentioned. Roger Goodell said “yinz” as my eyes rolled so hard I thought they’d get stuck in the back of my head like The Undertaker taking off his hat. And I’m sure Primanti Brothers was mentioned no less than a dozen times over the week of respective draft coverage, as well as the occasional explanation of what a pierogi is while “Renegade” played for the umpteenth time.

Check out our second round mock draft and our list of the best available players after the first round here.

Cynicism aside, 32 players were drafted on Thursday. Some teams deserve a hefty pat on the back for the selection(s) they made. Others not so much. Let’s dive in.

No. 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
No. 30: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

It was surprising to see Carnell Tate go No. 4 to Tennessee, but it makes so much sense. Look who Cam Ward was throwing to last year. Chig Okonkwo led the team in receiving yards with 560. Gunnar Helm, Chimere Dike, Eric Ayomanor. No, that is not the cast of CSI: Santa Fe on CBS, they are the actual factual pass-catchers Ward was expected to win games with in 2025. Tate slots in as the immediate No. 1 target, alongside a recently-signed Wan’Dale Robinson. Trading back into the first round for Kendrick Faulk also gives them a nice addition to their defensive line.

No. 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

You should be entitled to financial compensation if you’re a Steelers fan at this point. Per Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh was on the phone with Makai Lemon getting ready to draft him when Howie Roseman and the Eagles traded one spot in front of Pittsburgh, flipped them two massive birds, and took Lemon. Keep in mind, the Steelers had 12 picks entering the draft, more than any team in the NFL, and could have moved up to get Lemon. Instead, they got jumped by the most aggressive GM in football and were left to panic pick Max Iheanachor, a raw offensive tackle out of Arizona State whom they could have selected if they traded down. Not moving up for Lemon, not taking a receiver, and turning in this embarrassed shoulder shrug of a pick is why the Steelers continue to be the most elite mediocre team in professional sports.

No. 14: Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn State

And to make matters worse for Steelers fans, they get to watch the Ravens get the best guard in the draft without having to do anything. Vega Ioane is such a Ravens pick, and he’s probably going to be a multiple-time All-Pro.

No. 3: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Have the Cardinals not learned from teams like the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers? When you’re a bad team, you don’t draft a running back in the top five. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine on a tricycle. Their roster is bad, they have no quarterback, and Jeremiyah Love isn’t going to fix that. Running backs aren’t the sundae of NFL teams, they are the cherry on top of teams that are already established and can help push them over the top. Even if Love is a stud, this will end the same way it did for Christian McCaffrey in Carolina and Saquon Barkley in New York.

Washington Commanders: Good

No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Sonny Styles to Washington is one of my favorite picks of the night. Considering they were trotting out the fossil of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who regressed after a very strong showing in 2024, the Commanders needed someone to put in the middle of their defense, and they got perhaps the most athletic player at his position in the class. Job well done.

No. 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
No. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oreton

I like the selection of David Bailey, but what are the Jets doing taking a tight end at No. 16? Kenyon Sadiq may be very good, but that’s not the problem. Brock Bowers is a top five tight end in football and the Raiders still stink. A tight end isn’t turning the Jets around. There were plenty of other more notable players at more premium positions, and they just used a second round pick on Mason Taylor a year ago.

No. 8: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

I’ll call it right now – the Saints are winning the NFC South. I have loved everything they’ve done this offseason. Signing Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Kaden Elliss were three of my favorite free agent moves, and now they add Tyson – perhaps the most explosive receiver in this class – to put opposite Chris Olave. If Tyler Shough continues his play from the final month and a half of the 2025 season, this Saints team could surprise a lot of people.

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ISL 2025-26: Jamshedpur eyes top-two push as Chennaiyin seeks important points to avoid relegation battle <div id="content-body-70902047" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Jamshedpur FC will look to return to winning ways at home after a 0-2 defeat to Kerala Blasters FC. The Men of Steel have shown defensive solidity, conceding just eight goals so far, but have struggled in attack, scoring only nine in as many matches.</p><p>Madih Talal is expected to return to the starting XI after coming off the bench in the previous match and will serve as the primary creative outlet, with Raphael Messi Bouli leading the line. In team news, head coach Owen Coyle confirmed that Albino Gomes will start in goal, while Stephen Eze is likely to be suspended, and Sourav Das will miss out due to injury.</p><p>Currently on 15 points, Jamshedpur FC can climb as high as second with a win, moving to 18, provided other results go its way.</p><p>Former coach of Chennaiyin FC, Owen Coyle, acknowledged his familiarity with the opposition while maintaining a results-driven approach. “It helps in understanding their players and strengths. They have very good players like Farukh Chaudhury, Irfan Yadwad and Daniel Chima Chukwu. But during the match, my only focus is to win for Jamshedpur. It will be good to see familiar faces, but both teams will be fully competitive,” he said.</p><p>Goalkeeper Albino Gomes reflected on the team’s mindset ahead of the fixture. “The pressure is there, but it is good pressure. Everyone is working hard in training, and we need to bring that effort into the match to get a positive result,” he said.</p><p>Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, dropped crucial points after being held to a goalless draw by Mohammedan SC in its previous outing. With the Marina Machans yet to establish a consistent rhythm this season, head coach Clifford Miranda will be targeting a positive run of results, beginning with this fixture.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/genius-sports-indian-super-league-roadmap-aiff-meeting-mohun-bagan-isl/article70898652.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Genius Sports pitches ISL roadmap to clubs; Mohun Bagan skips meeting</a></b></p><p>Despite possessing attacking options such as Irfan, Farukh and Daniel Chima Chukwu, goals have been scarce, with Chennaiyin FC scoring just six, the second-lowest tally in the league after Mohammedan SC’s four. Currently 10th with nine points, Chennaiyin FC can climb to eighth place with a win.</p><p>In Indian Super League head-to-head meetings, Chennaiyin FC holds a clear advantage over Jamshedpur FC, having won eight of their 16 encounters, while Jamshedpur FC has registered three victories, with five matches ending in draws. In terms of goals scored, Chennaiyin FC has netted 31 goals across these fixtures, compared to Jamshedpur FC’s 21.</p><p>Miranda delivered a candid assessment of recent performances and the challenge ahead. “In my opinion, the game against Inter Kashi was the worst game we have played this season. Until the 75th minute, we were not in our element, both in terms of attitude and in how we approached the match. We were slow with the ball, too predictable, and we could not match their energy. Tomorrow, we expect a similar kind of game, but against a much better opponent,” he said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #ISL #Jamshedpur #eyes #toptwo #push #Chennaiyin #seeks #important #points #avoid #relegation #battle

Friday NBA Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for April 24 Playoff Slate | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777038457162" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777038457162" alt="Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>A critical Game 3 in Philadelphia arrives Friday on the heels of the 76ers stunning the Celtics as heavy road underdogs to even up their series at 1-1 headed home.</p><p>We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.</p><p>Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, April 24. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.</p><h2 id="best-nba-plays-today" class=" uppercase break-words">Best NBA plays today</h2><ul><li>Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers</li><li>Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5)</li><li>Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs</li></ul><h2 id="celtics--75-at-76ers---700-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers – 7:00 p.m. ET</h2><p>Boston rolled past Philadelphia in the series opener, 123-91, but the 76ers bounced back in Game 2. Philadelphia stunned Boston, 111-97 as 13.5-point underdogs, highlighted by 59 points from the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.</p><p>The Celtics look to rebound after hitting 13-of-50 shots from 3-point range and only two players scoring in double-figures. Eight of Boston’s last 10 victories overall are by double-digits, so this is definitely a <a href="https://deadspin.com/hidden-storylines-you-might-have-missed-so-far-in-2026-nba-playoffs/" target="_blank">manageable number for the Celtics to cover.</a></p><p>Philadelphia is 2-9 straight-up and 2-8-1 against the spread in the last 11 games as a single-digit underdog. Look for Boston to shoot better in Game 3 and grab the road cover to take a 2-1 series lead.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><br/><section id="section-3"> <h2 id="lakers/rockets-over-2065---800-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5) – 8:00 p.m. ET</h2><p>The Lakers captured each of the first two games against the Rockets as a home underdog, seeking a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight in Houston.</p><p>Each of the first two games finished under the total, as this total dropped from 208.5 in Game 2 with the Lakers beating the Rockets, 101-94. Kevin Durant returned from missing the series opener to score a team-high 23 points, but Houston was held to 24% shooting from 3-point range.</p><p>The Rockets shot nearly 38% from 3-point range at home this season, tied for third with the Knicks. Let’s see if Houston’s offense can respond tonight back at Toyota Center and hit the over for the first time in the series.</p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><section id="section-5"> <h2 id="blazers-25-vs-spurs---1030-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs – 10:30 p.m. ET</h2><p>The big storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48571593/spurs-victor-wembanyama-travel-concussion-protocol" target="_blank">San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama</a>, who left the Game 2 loss with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor going for a loose ball.</p><p>Portland grabbed a split in San Antonio with a 106-103 victory as 10.5-point underdogs, now making this an interesting series. Wemby’s status is up in the air tonight, although he did travel with the team to Portland.</p><p>The Blazers have won seven of their last eight home games since mid-March, while losing to the Spurs at Moda Center back in late November. Wemby will be a game-time decision for San Antonio, but this is the spot for Portland to capitalize off the Game 2 win and pick up its first home playoff win since 2021.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> </div> #Friday #NBA #Picks #Predictions #Bets #April #Playoff #Slate #Deadspin.com

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stuck his toe in the water this week and nary a ripple was created.

In grumbling about how the Los Angeles Dodgers are effectively allowed to carry 14 pitchers on their active roster because of Shohei Ohtani, instead of 13 like everybody else, Counsell essentially admitted that he understands why it is allowed.

“There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player,” Counsell told reporters before a game at Wrigley Field, basically confirming the reason the allowance exists.

There truly is no other player like Ohtani, which is why the Dodgers are paying him $700 million for 10 seasons. The fact that most of the money is being deferred is another topic entirely. With the signing, the Dodgers were paying for an MVP-caliber designated hitter who could also take the mound on occasion.

This season, Ohtani has pitched about once every week.

Through multiple elbow issues, Ohtani continues to do both jobs at an elite level. Had he been at or below average in one or both, maybe there would not have been an objection.

In his return to his first full season as a pitcher since 2003, Ohtani has allowed just one earned run over his four starts, through an outing Wednesday at San Francisco. It leaves him with a 0.38 ERA through his first 24 innings and a bit of Dodgers history.

Only Kenta Maeda (2016) and Fernando Valenzuela (1981,1985) have gone their first four starts of a season with an ERA that low in the team’s Los Angeles era.

Add in the five home runs, 11 RBIs and 15 runs scored, and the Dodgers’ real advantage becomes clear. They have a player like no other.

“It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me,” the Cubs’ manager said. “And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule.”

Actually, there might be an Ohtani rule that is even more bizarre.

On days Ohtani pitches, he gets to remain in the game on offense as the designated hitter when he leaves the mound. That exemption came about in 2022 and was actually dubbed “The Ohtani rule.”

Prior to that, if an American League team wanted to let its starting pitcher occupy a spot in the batting order, that spot would then be assigned to the relief pitcher who replaced him.

That might be the rule that brings into question the spirit of the game, more than pitching staff limits.

Counsell’s complaint seemed to piggyback a social media post from former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, who said last weekend the league needs to “… eradicate the exemption the Dodgers get to carry an extra pitcher.”

In the same post, Bowden is actually “ok with allowing (Ohtani) to DH when he pitches and remain in game.”

Here’s the thing about Ohtani’s two-way reality. Like any other pitcher, he also is doing his in-between start work. And then he puts in the full-time work of a hitter.

While taxing himself as a two-way player, Ohtani has blown out his pitching elbow twice in under five years. It’s not as if there isn’t a tax to pay.

And yet Counsell is not wrong. The Dodgers do have an advantage with Ohtani. But it came about because his original organization in Japan took the time and the investment risk to nurture both disciplines. The Nippon-Ham Fighters developed perhaps one the most unique talents of all time.

Nothing but risk assessment is stopping MLB clubs from doing the same. No team wants to expose one of their better hitters to a pitching injury, or have one of their best pitchers to come up lame on the bases.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ultimately responded to Counsell’s complaint.

“It certainly benefits us because we have the player,” Roberts said. “But that’s something that any team that had Ohtani would have. 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.”

The juicy part comes next. The Dodgers play host to the Cubs for a three-game series starting Friday. And no, Ohtani will not be pitching in any of the games but he is expected to come to the plate four times a contest.

#Shohei #Ohtani #Rule #Explained #Dodgers #Extra #Pitcher #Deadspin.com">

Shohei Ohtani Rule Explained: Why Dodgers Get Extra Pitcher | Deadspin.com Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stuck his toe in the water this week and nary a ripple was created.In grumbling about how the Los Angeles Dodgers are effectively allowed to carry 14 pitchers on their active roster because of Shohei Ohtani, instead of 13 like everybody else, Counsell essentially admitted that he understands why it is allowed.“There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player,” Counsell told reporters before a game at Wrigley Field, basically confirming the reason the allowance exists.There truly is no other player like Ohtani, which is why the Dodgers are paying him 0 million for 10 seasons. The fact that most of the money is being deferred is another topic entirely. With the signing, the Dodgers were paying for an MVP-caliber designated hitter who could also take the mound on occasion.This season, Ohtani has pitched about once every week.Through multiple elbow issues, Ohtani continues to do both jobs at an elite level. Had he been at or below average in one or both, maybe there would not have been an objection.In his return to his first full season as a pitcher since 2003, Ohtani has allowed just one earned run over his four starts, through an outing Wednesday at San Francisco. It leaves him with a 0.38 ERA through his first 24 innings and a bit of Dodgers history.Only Kenta Maeda (2016) and Fernando Valenzuela (1981,1985) have gone their first four starts of a season with an ERA that low in the team’s Los Angeles era.Add in the five home runs, 11 RBIs and 15 runs scored, and the Dodgers’ real advantage becomes clear. They have a player like no other.“It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me,” the Cubs’ manager said. “And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule.”Actually, there might be an Ohtani rule that is even more bizarre.On days Ohtani pitches, he gets to remain in the game on offense as the designated hitter when he leaves the mound. That exemption came about in 2022 and was actually dubbed “The Ohtani rule.”Prior to that, if an American League team wanted to let its starting pitcher occupy a spot in the batting order, that spot would then be assigned to the relief pitcher who replaced him.That might be the rule that brings into question the spirit of the game, more than pitching staff limits.Counsell’s complaint seemed to piggyback a social media post from former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, who said last weekend the league needs to “… eradicate the exemption the Dodgers get to carry an extra pitcher.”In the same post, Bowden is actually “ok with allowing (Ohtani) to DH when he pitches and remain in game.”Here’s the thing about Ohtani’s two-way reality. Like any other pitcher, he also is doing his in-between start work. And then he puts in the full-time work of a hitter.While taxing himself as a two-way player, Ohtani has blown out his pitching elbow twice in under five years. It’s not as if there isn’t a tax to pay.And yet Counsell is not wrong. The Dodgers do have an advantage with Ohtani. But it came about because his original organization in Japan took the time and the investment risk to nurture both disciplines. The Nippon-Ham Fighters developed perhaps one the most unique talents of all time.Nothing but risk assessment is stopping MLB clubs from doing the same. No team wants to expose one of their better hitters to a pitching injury, or have one of their best pitchers to come up lame on the bases.Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ultimately responded to Counsell’s complaint.“It certainly benefits us because we have the player,” Roberts said. “But that’s something that any team that had Ohtani would have. 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.”The juicy part comes next. The Dodgers play host to the Cubs for a three-game series starting Friday. And no, Ohtani will not be pitching in any of the games but he is expected to come to the plate four times a contest. #Shohei #Ohtani #Rule #Explained #Dodgers #Extra #Pitcher #Deadspin.com

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stuck his toe in the water this week and nary a ripple was created.
In grumbling about how the Los Angeles Dodgers are effectively allowed to carry 14 pitchers on their active roster because of Shohei Ohtani, instead of 13 like everybody else, Counsell essentially admitted that he understands why it is allowed.
“There’s not another player like that, but one team gets different rules for that player,” Counsell told reporters before a game at Wrigley Field, basically confirming the reason the allowance exists.
There truly is no other player like Ohtani, which is why the Dodgers are paying him $700 million for 10 seasons. The fact that most of the money is being deferred is another topic entirely. With the signing, the Dodgers were paying for an MVP-caliber designated hitter who could also take the mound on occasion.