Shohei Ohtani Misses Dodgers Game to Be With Wife for Second Child's Birth

Shohei Ohtani was absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Friday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles as he is away from the team to be with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, for the birth of their second child. The Dodgers announced the two-way superstar is expected to return later this weekend and was not placed on MLB's paternity list.

In Ohtani's absence, the Dodgers adjusted their lineup, moving right fielder Kyle Tucker to the leadoff spot and slotting rookie Ryan Ward as designated hitter, batting seventh. The team opted not to make a corresponding roster move for Ohtani, leaving them a man short on the bench. The lineup was released about two hours later than usual, prompting speculation. Manager Dave Roberts, asked three hours before game time about the delay, said he was working out "some things with some position players" and made no mention of Ohtani.

Roberts also addressed Ohtani's recent sore left knee, stating he had not spoken to him Friday and was "just assuming that after the off day he's in a good spot." The manager often notes when a player is expecting a baby, and the team typically announces paternity leave. Ohtani, who turns 32 on July 5, and his 29-year-old wife welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2025. He had announced the pregnancy on social media in December 2024.

Ohtani, batting .296 with a .963 OPS this season and posting a 7-2 record with a 1.47 ERA on the mound, is known for his private nature. He has never publicly revealed his daughter's name and carefully avoids showing her face in the rare family photos he shares on social media. The Dodgers continue their series against the Orioles as Ohtani is expected to rejoin the team later this weekend.