The Los Angeles Dodgers began their road trip without Shohei Ohtani, who remained at home and was placed on the paternity list in anticipation of his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, giving birth to the couple’s first child.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he wasn’t certain of when Ohtani’s child would be born, but that it was possible the two-way star would join the team before they finished their weekend series against the Texas Rangers.
MLB roster rules require a player that goes on the paternity leave to miss a minimum of one day but can’t be away from the team for more than three days. Thus, Ohtani at the latest figured to join the Dodgers for their upcoming matchup with the Chicago Cubs.
Ohtani announced in late December that Mamiko was pregnant. Because of where she was in her pregnancy, Mamiko did not travel with Ohtani and the Dodgers for the Tokyo Series.
Until Friday, Ohtani had played every game this season. He’s 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.
Ohtani became the first Dodgers player to go on the paternity list this season. They had several players welcome a child during the 2023 season.
Shohei Ohtani baby announcement
Ohtani posted 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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