Shohei Ohtani was out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Friday night so he could be with his wife, Mamiko, as the couple expected the birth of their second child.
Although Ohtani’s absence was announced by the Dodgers as being due to paternity leave, he remained on their active roster and the team played a man short in the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers could opt to formally place Ohtani on the paternity list Saturday, but it’s also possible he returns.
Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko announce second baby
On early Saturday morning, Ohtani posted a baby announcement to his Instagram account, much like he did when Mamiko gave birth to their daughter in April 2025.
“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.”
Shohei Ohtani’s announcement for baby No. 2. pic.twitter.com/BLVwrjUPbg
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 20, 2026
Ohtani did not specify the gender, but a blue blanket suggests he and Mamiko are now parents to a son. The baby announcement again included a picture of Decoy as well. A second photo in the post is a close-up of baby feet, similar to when Ohtani and Mamiko announced their daughter had been born.
Mamiko’s pregnancy was not something the notoriously private Ohtani had publicly shared. Though, those within the organization had been made aware.
“I found out very recently,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the walk-off win Friday night. “It was imminent, yes. We were expecting it.
“Keeping his privacy,” Roberts added to end the line of questioning.
When will Ohtani be back with the Dodgers?
The expectation is for the two-way star to be with the team by the time their road trip begins on Monday. The Dodgers conceivably could still place Ohtani on the paternity list Saturday.
Under such MLB rules, a player who goes on the paternity list is required to miss at least one day but no more than three. Thus, Ohtani could still be away with the team but return as soon as Sunday for the finale against the Orioles.
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