The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani on the paternity list and selected the contract of Eddie Rosario prior to Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Edgardo Henriquez was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Rosario on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Per MLB roster rules, a player that goes on the paternity leave is required to miss a minimum of one day but can’t be away from the team for more than three days.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it’s possible Ohtani rejoins the Dodgers prior to the end of their series at Globe Life Field. Otherwise, he should be back with the team in time for their matchup with the Chicago Cubs.
Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are welcoming the birth of their first child. Ohtani announced in late December that Mamiko was pregnant. Because of where she was in her pregnancy, Mamiko did not accompany Ohtani and the Dodgers for the Tokyo Series.
Leading up to Friday, Ohtani had played in each of the Dodgers’ games this season. He’s batting .288/.380/.550 with one double, one triple, six home runs and eight RBI. Ohtani is tied with Tommy Edman for the team lead in home runs.
Ohtani is the Dodgers’ first player to go on the paternity list this season. They had several players welcome a child during the 2023 season.
Eddie Rosario replaces Shohei Ohtani
With Ohtani in Southern California for the time being, the Dodgers called up Rosario from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Rosario signed a Minor League contract in the middle of February and was with the team for Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He didn’t fare well at the plate but has been among the Comets’ top hitters so far this season.
Through 14 games with Oklahoma City, Rosario hit .339/.406/.542 with six doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI. The Comets utilized Rosario at both corner outfield positions in addition to designated hitter.
The 33-year-old has prior history with the Dodgers, though memorable for just one side as he put together a remarkable performance in the 2021 postseason and earned National League Championship Series MVP honors in leading the Atlanta Braves.
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