Shohei Ohtani is away from the Los Angeles Dodgers as he awaits the birth of his first child. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed before Friday night’s series opener against the Texas Rangers that Ohtani is on Major League Baseball’s paternity list and is currently with his wife.
“He and Mamiko are expecting at some point. That’s all I know,” Roberts said. “I don’t know when he’ll be back, but they’re together in anticipation.”
Ohtani, 30, shared the news in late December that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka — a former professional basketball player from Japan — were expecting their first child in 2025. The announcement included a lighthearted photo featuring the couple’s dog, baby shoes, a pink onesie, and a sonogram, captioned: “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!”
Under MLB rules, players can miss up to three games while on paternity leave. With the Dodgers beginning a three-game series in Texas and an off day Monday, Ohtani could potentially rejoin the team when they face the Cubs in Chicago on Tuesday.
The Dodgers will manage without their two-way superstar as he takes time to celebrate a major life moment off the field.
Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
