The New "Shohei Ohtani Rule" That Goes Into Effect in 2022

Major league baseball has made a move to give the Los Angeles Angels, and every baseball fan, a little more Shohei Ohtani. And who could argue with that? According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the new rule will allow Ohtani—or any other two-way player that might come along—to stay in the game as a DH even if they are removed from the mound. Sherman explains:

The new rule stipulates that if the starting pitcher is also hitting in the lineup, then that player remains as the DH even if he is pulled from the start. Thus, if Ohtani, say, pitched five innings, he would still hit through the entire game. 

At times last season, the Angels were forced to move Ohtani to the outfield for a few innings if they had to pull him from the mound early, in order to keep his impact bat in the lineup. 

The new rule is part of the newly-signed collective bargaining agreement. Sherman says its intent is to encourage more two-way players to advance to the majors. Obviously, the stunning MVP performance of Ohtani last season made quite the impact on everyone associated with the game. 

The Angels' DH and starting pitcher bashed 46 home runs, and added 100 RBIs and 103 runs scored, along with 26 stolen bases. He had a .965 OPS. 

But of course, that's just half the story. Ohtani also made 23 starts, and posted a 9-2 record, with a 3.18 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 10.8 K/9. All numbers that no doubt had even Babe Ruth rolling over in his grave.