The Los Angeles Dodgers started their road trip without Shohei Ohtani in the lineup for the first time this season as he was placed on the paternity list.
Ohtani remained in Southern California instead of traveling with the Dodgers due to his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, being on the verge of giving birth to the couple’s first child. Ohtnai announced on Saturday he and Mamiko were excited new parents to a daughter, whose name was not revealed.
The Dodgers extended their winning streak to four games to begin their road trip but suffered a walk-off loss to the Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Now Ohtani is expected to make his return to the Dodgers lineup for the rubber match at Globe Life Field, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani texted him. He is expected back with #Dodgers for Sundays game.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 19, 2025
MLB roster rules require a player that goes on the paternity leave to miss a minimum of one day but no more than three days. Thus, Ohtani could have missed the weekend games and returned to the Dodgers for their upcoming matchup with the Chicago Cubs.
Ohtani is batting .288/.380/.550 with one double, one triple, six home runs and eight RBI. Ohtani trails Tommy Edman (seven) for the team lead in home runs.
Edman hit his seventh homer of the season on Friday night while taking over duties in the leadoff spot of the Dodgers lineup. However, he then went hitless in Saturday’s loss.
Eddie Rosario had his contract selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Ohtani’s place on the active roster.
Shohei Ohtani baby announcement
Ohtani revealed on Instagram that Mamiko gave birth to the couple’s daughter.
“Welcome to the Ohtani Family!” Ohtani’s baby announcement began. “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.
“I would also like to thank the Dodgers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their constant support and kind words of encouragement.
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals and everyone who dedicated their support to us, up until this wonderful day.”
Ohtani’s baby announcement included a small photo of Decoy on the thank you message, and a second image of what appears to be his hands holding his daughter’s feet.
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