Dodgers' Ohtani Misses Game on Paternity Leave

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was absent from the lineup for Friday night's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium, with the team announcing he was away on paternity leave for the birth of his second child. The two-way superstar is expected to rejoin the club during the weekend series, and as a result, he was not placed on Major League Baseball's official paternity list, leaving the Dodgers' roster temporarily short-handed.

The absence marks a significant personal milestone for Ohtani, who, along with his wife Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2025. The famously private player has not publicly disclosed the name of his first child and has carefully guarded his family's privacy. His return to the lineup is anticipated within days.

Ohtani's absence comes amid ongoing management of a recent left knee issue. Last week, he left a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with what was described as knee and hamstring discomfort, and subsequently missed a game against the Chicago White Sox due to left knee inflammation. Despite the concern, manager Dave Roberts stated earlier this week that the swelling had completely dissipated,...