Shohei Ohtani Away from Dodgers on Paternity Leave After Birth of Second Child

Shohei Ohtani was not in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, June 19, 2026, because he was away from the team on paternity leave. The Dodgers announced on X that Ohtani is expected to return this weekend and that he was not placed on MLB's paternity list.

The team's lineup for the series opener was released less than an hour before first pitch, with Ryan Ward listed as the designated hitter batting seventh.

Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced on Instagram early Saturday morning, June 20, 2026, that their second child had been born. "We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together," they wrote. Manager Dave Roberts said after the Dodgers' 6-5 win that he hopes Ohtani returns Saturday.

Roberts said he found out "very recently" that Ohtani was going to be a father again. "Keeping his privacy," Roberts said, smiling. Roberts added that he had not spoken to Ohtani on Friday. " Roberts often mentions when a player is expecting a baby, and the team typically announces placements on paternity leave.

Ohtani, who turns 32 on July 5, 2026, and 29-year-old Mamiko Tanaka became first-time parents in April 2025 with the birth of their daughter. Ohtani first announced on social media in December 2024 that the couple was expecting. The famously private Ohtani has never publicly revealed his daughter's name and has avoided showing her face in the rare family photos posted to his social media.

ESPN reported the details of Ohtani's absence and the birth announcement.