The Shohei Ohtani Rule Goes Into Effect
On Tuesday, MLB and the MLB Players Association have agreed to a few new rules, including expanded rosters to 28 players through May 1, the return of the “ghost runner,” and nine-inning doubleheaders. In addition, the deal also has what’s being colloquially referred to as the Shohei Ohtani rule.
The rule states that if a starting pitcher is also hitting in the lineup, they may continue to remain in the lineup as the DH, even after they are finished pitching, and have been replaced on the mound. This rule will certainly be of interest to the Angels, as Ohtani is virtually the only player affected as of right now. However, the rule is a part of the new CBA and not just for 2022, in an attempt to encourage and promote more two-way players in Major League Baseball.
This is not to be confused with the other “Shohei Ohtani rule” that was implemented in 2020, meant to govern the usage of two-way players. The rule states that players on a team’s active roster will have to be designated as a pitcher or a position player. Only players designated as pitchers will be allowed to pitch in a game, with some exceptions: position players may pitch if the game goes into extra innings, if a team is winning or losing by six runs, or if the player has two-way status.
Furthermore, a player qualifies for two-way status if he pitches at least 20 Major League innings and plays at least 20 Major League games as a position player or designated hitter, with at least three plate appearances in each game in either the current or previous MLB season. However, according to MLB, the rule has yet to be put into place for 2022.
In his Cactus League debut Monday against the Royals, the reigning American League MVP struck out five of the 11 batters he faced. With the new rule in effect, expect Ohtani to get plenty of at-bats out of the DH spot.
Luis Castillo’s Shoulder Woes
Arbitration numbers were exchanged for eligible players on Tuesday; the Cincinnati Reds and right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.35 million contract. This figure arrived on the same day it was revealed that Castillo had a lingering shoulder issue and might not be ready for the beginning of the 2022 regular season. He posted a 3.98 ERA and 192/75 K/BB ratio over 187 2/3 innings in 2021.
The 29-year-old was briefly shut down with shoulder soreness, but is now healthy and is throwing long toss again according to Reds manager David Bell. However, Castillo is behind schedule to be ready for the season. The good news is that the injury doesn’t appear to be that serious, and Castillo may miss just one or two turns through the rotation.
Plenty of trade rumors surrounded Castillo since the onset of the offseason; however, earlier this month Reds general manager Nick Krall said that the team will not be trading Castillo. He’s under team control through 2023, and his name may very well resurface in trade talks this summer.
Gio-Dude’s Rock-Strong Performance
Lucas Giolito fired off three scoreless innings in a Tuesday afternoon Cactus League matchup versus the Milwaukee Brewers. He registered four strikeouts, but he walked a batter and surrendered a hit. Giolito arrived at camp with a noticeably bulkier physique – and might as well be in midseason form, let alone the Best Shape of His Life.
Giolito should remain the ace of the White Sox starting rotation, as he has since his breakthrough 2019 season. The 27-year-old hurler finished 2021 with an 11-9 record, 3.53 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 201/52 K/BB ratio in 178 2/3 innings pitched over 31 starts. Giolito has high strikeout potential as his game relies on missing bats; in his outing against the Brewers, the elevated fastball looked rather crisp, luring some valuable whiffs.
As for an exchange of arbitration figures, Giolito asked for $7.5 million while the White Sox countered with $7.3 million. The difference of $200,000 is notably one of the smallest – and perhaps embarrassing – gaps between teams and players in arbitration exchanges. A reasonable settlement should be made promptly to avoid an awkward arbitration hearing.
American League Quick Hits:
Twins signed INF Carlos Correa to a three-year $105.3 million contract. …Teoscar Hernandez has been sidelined with a mild wrist sprain according to Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo. …Royals and INF Ryan O’Hearn avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. …Luis Patino was scratched from his spring training start on Tuesday after experiencing arm discomfort. …Tigers and INF Jeimer Candelario avoid arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.8 million contract. …According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Blue Jays have signed Matt Chapman to a two-year, $25 million contract. …Astros signed INF Franklin Barreto to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training…Justin Dunn (shoulder) is expected to miss the first couple months of the 2022 season.
National League Quick Hits:
Marlins signed OF Jorge Soler to a three-year $36 million contract. …Odubel Herrera is experiencing soreness in his right oblique and is getting an MRI. …Diamondbacks signed RHP Zach Davies to a one-year $1.75 million contract. …Hunter Strickland is close to signing a deal with the Reds, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. …Dodgers signed OF Kevin Pillar to a minor league contract. …Brewers and C Omar Narvaez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5 million contract. …Luis Castillo has been shut down with shoulder soreness and may not be ready for opening day according to Reds manager David Bell…Eric Lauer has been scratched from his spring training start on Tuesday with groin discomfort. …Jazz Chisholm was forced to leave Tuesday spring training games after being struck on the hand with a ground ball. …James McCann was scratched from the Mets’ spring lineup on Tuesday due to back discomfort. …Starling Marte (oblique) hit off a tee on Tuesday. …Phillies designated INF/OF Luke Williams for assignment. …Mike Moustakas was removed from a Cactus League game on Tuesday due to an apparent wrist or shoulder injury. …Moustakas (shoulder) later checked out fine.