The Los Angeles Dodgers came away with their 23rd comeback win and fourth walk-off of the season on Friday night despite playing a man short, and a significant one at that.
Shohei Ohtani was not in the lineup for the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles due to going on paternity leave. Though, he was not officially placed on MLB’s paternity list. The Dodgers in a statement noted that Ohtani was expected to return at some point this weekend.
“I don’t,” manager Dave Roberts initially answered when asked if he knew when Ohtani would rejoin the team. “I’m hoping tomorrow, but I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him.”
Prior to Friday it had not publicly been shared that Mamiko was on the verge of giving birth to the couple’s second child. Ohtani and his wife welcomed a daughter last April, and he missed two games while on the paternity list.
Given that the Dodgers did not make a roster move to temporarily replace Ohtani, the suggestion was his departure came as somewhat of a surprise. But that wasn’t reality.
“I found out very recently,” Roberts said of the impending birth of Ohtani’s second child. “It was imminent, yes. We were expecting it. Keeping his privacy.”
Dodgers’ options with Shohei Ohtani
Should Ohtani not be in position to return to the lineup on Saturday, the Dodgers at that point could elect to formally place him on the paternity list without compromising his availability for their upcoming road trip.
MLB roster rules require a player who goes on the paternity list to miss at least one day but no more than three. Thus, Ohtani could still be away with the team but return on Sunday for the finale against the Orioles.
However it unfolds, it’s providing as another opportunity for the two-way star to perhaps get some needed rest. Ohtani has been dealing with a blister on the middle finger of his right hand and as of last week left knee inflammation as well.
He nevertheless missed only one game because of the knee trouble and made a scheduled pitching start this past Wednesday. Roberts said Ohtani and the Dodgers will need to manage his balky left knee moving forward, but noted that he should be capable of remaining in the lineup and making additional starts on the mound.
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