Shohei Ohtani is back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Ohtani is in his usual leadoff spot as the designated hitter.
He rejoins the Dodgers after missing one game to be on quasi-paternity leave with Mamiko giving birth to the couple’s second child. Ohtani shared a baby announcement early Saturday morning, though did not specify the date of his son’s arrival.
“We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together,” the graphic read. “Thank you for being born safely. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.”
The Dodgers played a man short in the series opener against the Orioles despite having some awareness that Ohtani would likely be taking some time away.
“I found out very recently,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the team’s walk-off win. “It was imminent, yes. We were expecting it.
“Keeping his privacy,” Roberts added to end the line of questioning and offer insight into his vague answers.
There had not been any publication indication that Ohtani and Mamiko were expecting their second child. Dodgers wives and girlfriends recently held a celebration in a suite at Dodger Stadium for expectant mothers, but Mamiko was not included in any of the photos.
If necessary, the Dodgers could have formally put Ohtani on the paternity list Saturday and still had him available for the start of their road trip on Monday.
MLB roster rules only dictate that a player is required to miss at least one day but no more than three when put on the paternity list. Ohtani spent two days away from the Dodgers while on paternity leave when Mamiko gave birth to their daughter in April 2025.
Dodgers lineup
Not necessarily related, but Ohtani’s return coincides with Kyle Tucker being dropped to seventh. It’s his lowest spot in any lineup since 2021. Tucker is in the midst of an 11-game on-base streak and he’s hit safely in the last six.
DH: Shohei Ohtani
CF: Andy Pages
1B: Freddie Freeman
SS: Mookie Betts
2B: Miguel Rojas
3B: Tommy Edman
RF: Kyle Tucker
LF: Alex Call
C: Dalton Rushing
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