The Ohtani rule changed how MLB handles substitution for players who can both pitch and hit. It lets a two-way player remain in one role after being removed from the other, and that change affects how managers use those players and how sportsbooks settle related props. This article explains the rule in plain language, shows how substitution mechanics work under Rule 5.11, and gives practical checks bettors should run before placing mlb strikeout props.

Since 2022, MLB allows a starting pitcher to remain as DH after removal from the mound under Rule 5.11.

Most sportsbooks void starter-linked K props if the listed starter does not throw a pitch.

Always check the official lineup and your sportsbook's house rules before placing a pitcher strikeout prop.

What the Ohtani rule is - quick definition and context

The Ohtani rule lets a player who starts the game as both the starting pitcher and the designated hitter stay in the lineup as DH after being removed from the mound, so the pitching and DH roles are treated separately under MLB Rule 5.11; this change has direct implications for mlb strikeout props in games with two-way players, because it alters expected innings and usage patterns Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

Quick pregame checklist to track two-way player usage

Listed role
Expected pitching slot
At-bat order

Update at lineup release

In plain terms, since 2022 a club can list a two-way player on the lineup card as both the starter on the mound and the DH and later remove him from one role while he stays in the other; media coverage commonly calls this the Ohtani rule after Shohei Ohtani, and the change is rooted in the designated hitter provisions of the rulebook ESPN explanation of the Ohtani rule and NY Times coverage.

The official rule language and scope (how Rule 5.11 covers two-way players)

The Ohtani rule is written into the designated hitter section of the Official Baseball Rules, specifically Rule 5.11, which describes when and how a player may serve as a designated hitter separate from his pitching assignment; bettors looking for the primary source should consult the rule text for the substitution mechanics and the formal language that distinguishes the two roles Official Baseball Rules 5.11, and see the MLB coverage MLB coverage.

Rule 5.11 treats the DH slot and the pitcher's spot on the lineup card as distinct for substitution purposes, and a club must follow the rule's substitution mechanics and any club designations when listing eligible two-way players; the rule applies to players the club identifies under MLB criteria as qualifying for two-way usage and is enforced through the official lineup process Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

How substitution works in practice - pitching versus DH roles

A manager can remove a player from the mound while keeping him as the DH so long as the club follows the substitution rules that separate the two roles; for example a two-way starter can be pulled after a short outing and remain in the batting order as the DH, which preserves his plate appearances while allowing a fresh arm on the mound Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

How does the Ohtani rule affect pitcher strikeout props?

The Ohtani rule separates pitching and DH roles for substitution, which increases the chance of early hooks or role changes and can lead sportsbooks to shorten lines or void starter-linked strikeout props if the listed player does not throw a pitch.

The rule also limits re-entry in conventional ways: once the player has been removed from both roles he cannot re-enter the game, and any additional substitutions must follow the lineup and re-entry rules that govern all players; that separation of roles is what makes late pitching changes and lineup flexibility possible under the Ohtani rule CBS Sports coverage of the rule.

How substitution works in practice - pitching versus DH roles

To picture the mechanic step by step: a manager lists the player on the lineup card as the starting pitcher and DH, the game begins, and if the player is removed from pitching he may remain in the DH slot; conversely if he starts as DH and later comes in to pitch, the roles remain tracked separately for substitution purposes Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

It is important for bettors and roster trackers to note that the lineup card and any official in-game substitutions, as recorded by the scorekeeper, determine how the rules apply to any specific appearance, and those records are the authoritative source for settlement questions that hinge on which role the player occupied at each moment CBS Sports coverage of substitution mechanics.

Practical effects on manager decisions and pitcher usage

Close up of a baseball lineup card and scorekeeper sheet with a pen highlighting the DH and pitcher slots in a Funded Plays dark navy layout for mlb strikeout props

Because teams no longer lose the DH slot when they remove a two-way starting pitcher, managers face a lower cost when making an early hook, and that greater flexibility can lead to shorter starts in games where the manager prefers to protect the lineup or match favorable relievers; this strategic freedom is one of the main practical effects bettors should watch for when sizing mlb strikeout props for two-way starters ESPN explanation of managerial effects.

In practice the result can be fewer innings for the starting arm in a given outing, and that reduction in innings typically lowers the expected strikeout total for that start compared with a traditional full outing; however team philosophy, bullpen depth, and the individual player's role designation still vary, so outcomes are not uniform from game to game CBS Sports discussion of usage patterns.

How sportsbooks treat starting pitchers and K props - common house rules

Most major U.S. sportsbooks require the listed starter to both start the game and throw at least one official pitch for starter-linked strikeout props to stand as action, so a change that moves the player from a listed start to a later relief appearance typically voids starter K bets under common house rules DraftKings baseball rules.

Sportsbooks normally settle pitcher props using official MLB statistics, and they specify timing rules for suspended or shortened games in their help centers; bettors should assume settlement follows the official box score unless an operator's terms state otherwise BetMGM MLB betting rules.

Common settlement edge cases bettors must watch

If a player is listed on the lineup card as the starter but does not throw a pitch because he only appears later as a reliever, most operators treat starter-linked strikeout props as void, so the simple sequence of starting the game as DH and later pitching is a frequent source of confusion for bettors FanDuel wagering rules.

Another common edge case involves suspended or shortened games: sportsbooks grade props based on official statistics and the operator's own timing rules, and they generally require that the outcome be determinate before a suspension to count; when in doubt, read the operator's settlement clause and the section that explains shortened game handling DraftKings baseball rules.

How the Ohtani rule changes strikeout prop pricing and market signals

Books price K props for two-way starters with the expectation that managers may remove those pitchers earlier than a traditional starter, so lines for two-way players often reflect a higher chance of shorter outings, reduced strikeout volume, or lower limits for large wagers ESPN context on usage and pricing and Yahoo Sports coverage.

Verify house rules on starter requirements and voids

Before you wager on a pitcher with two-way usage, verify the sportsbook's specific starter and minimum pitch rules to know whether a role change will void your bet

Review sportsbook rules

As market signals, watch for shorter props, rapid early movement if a late lineup release shows the player listed only as DH, or bookmakers imposing special void conditions on two-way players; those adjustments are both a reflection of the higher uncertainty and an active way bookmakers limit risk on unsettled usage scenarios DraftKings help on player props.

Pre-game checks: what to verify before placing a K prop

Check the official lineup release to confirm whether the player is listed as the starting pitcher or only as the DH, and verify the scheduled pitching slot against publicly available depth charts; the lineup card and the game day release are the first sources bettors should consult DraftKings baseball rules.

Also confirm the sportsbook's minimum-action rule for a starter-linked prop, the operator's voiding conditions for two-way usage, and any timing rules that govern settlement in the event of a late change, scratch, or suspension; these operator-specific clauses determine whether a starter's K prop will be graded or returned FanDuel wagering rules.

Typical scenarios and concrete examples

Scenario A: The manager lists a two-way player as the starter and DH, the player throws 12 to 45 pitches and is pulled for a reliever while staying in as DH; in that game the starting pitcher's strikeout prop will be graded based on the actual outs and strikeouts recorded while he was on the mound, and the early pull can directly reduce his total strikeout opportunities compared with a full outing ESPN example of the scenario.

Funded Plays Challenges

Review sportsbook rules

Scenario B: The player is listed in the starting lineup only as the DH and later enters the game as a reliever; because the player did not start on the mound most major sportsbooks will void any starter-linked K props, and settlement will follow the official box score for any action that occurred while the player was actually pitching DraftKings rules on starter requirements.

Practical cautions and responsible notes for bettors

The Ohtani rule changes probabilities but does not guarantee shorter outings or fewer strikeouts in every appearance; bettors should avoid overgeneralizing from a handful of games and treat the rule as one factor among several that affect expectations, including bullpen depth and the manager's stated plan for the player BetMGM settlement guidance.

Minimalist 2D vector sportsbook app screen showing a pitcher strikeout prop card with baseball icon strike zone graphic curved pitch trajectory and blurred stadium lights mlb strikeout props

Always read the house rules for the sportsbook you use, because operator differences determine whether a bet stands when a role change occurs; combine that rules check with disciplined bankroll sizing and the same cautious approach used for any player prop market DraftKings baseball rules.

Common mistakes bettors make with two-way starters

Assuming the listed starter will pitch a normal starter's workload is a frequent error; bettors sometimes overlook the possibility that the manager will use the player primarily as a DH or will pull him early to protect an inning, and that misunderstanding often leads to mispriced expectations for strikeout totals FanDuel wagering rules.

Another common mistake is failing to confirm the sportsbook's minimum pitch or start requirement before placing a starter-linked prop; checking the operator's help center and verifying lineups near first pitch removes much of the avoidable risk around voided bets DraftKings rules on MLB props.

Where to verify rules and official data sources

The primary legal source for the Ohtani rule is the Official Baseball Rules, specifically the designated hitter provision in Rule 5.11, which bettors should consult for the governing substitution language Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

For operator practices and settlement language consult the sportsbook help centers and betting rules pages, which explain the minimum-action requirements and how shortened or suspended games are handled for player props DraftKings help.

Short summary and takeaways

The Ohtani rule lets a two-way starter remain as the DH after removal from the mound, treating pitching and DH roles independently under Rule 5.11 Official Baseball Rules 5.11.

Takeaways: always check whether a player is listed as the starting pitcher or only as DH, confirm your sportsbook's starter and minimum-pitch rules before placing mlb strikeout props, and remember that settlement follows official MLB statistics combined with operator timing clauses DraftKings rules.

What the Ohtani rule is - quick definition and context

The official rule language and scope (how Rule 5.11 covers two-way players)

How substitution works in practice - pitching versus DH roles

How substitution works in practice - pitching versus DH roles

Practical effects on manager decisions and pitcher usage

How sportsbooks treat starting pitchers and K props - common house rules

Common settlement edge cases bettors must watch

How the Ohtani rule changes strikeout prop pricing and market signals

Verify house rules on starter requirements and voids

Pre-game checks: what to verify before placing a K prop

Typical scenarios and concrete examples

Practical cautions and responsible notes for bettors

Common mistakes bettors make with two-way starters

Where to verify rules and official data sources

Short summary and takeaways

Further reading and official references

References