Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Second Child Birth and Paternity Leave
6/20/2026, 9:33:05 PM
Birth, Leave and Immediate Roster Impact
On June 20, 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani missed the Friday night game against the Baltimore Orioles as he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their second child. The Dodgers announced his paternity leave and indicated he was expected to return “sometime this weekend.” The team did not place him on MLB’s official paternity list, leaving his roster spot active.
Recent Performance and MVP Context
At the time of his leave, Ohtani was batting .296 with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and a .962 OPS, while his pitching record stood at 7-2 with a 1.47 ERA, 78 strikeouts and 22 walks in 73.2 innings. His play helped the Dodgers win 6-5 on a walk-off by Dalton Rushing.
Background & Privacy Tradition
Ohtani and Mamiko announced their first child, a daughter, in April 2025 with a brief Instagram note showing only newborn feet and a gratitude message. The couple’s privacy, reinforced by manager Dave Roberts, limits public details about family matters.
Official Statements & Responses
The Dodgers’ X account said Ohtani would be back “sometime this weekend.” Manager Roberts told reporters he learned of the pregnancy “very recently” and hoped Ohtani could play Saturday, though he had not spoken with the player. Ohtani’s Instagram post thanked supporters and celebrated the newborn’s safe arrival.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers noted the lack of prior notice, a departure from the Dodgers’ usual practice of announcing paternity-list placements. The decision not to place Ohtani on the official list also raised questions about roster management and compliance with MLB rules.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Ohtani’s return timing—some expect Saturday, others cite “sometime this weekend” or a Sunday/Monday appearance. Reports vary on whether the team will add him to the paternity list, with some indicating a Saturday placement and others noting his active-roster status. The baby’s gender remains undisclosed, though a blue blanket in the Instagram photo has spurred speculation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together.” — Shohei Ohtani, Instagram post
- “I found out very recently,” — Dave Roberts, post-game comments
- “I don’t. I’m hoping tomorrow, but I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him…He likes his privacy.” — Dave Roberts, press remarks
- “is expected to be back at some point this weekend” — Los Angeles Dodgers, official X statement
What’s Next
The Dodgers expect Ohtani to rejoin the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Orioles, with a possible formal paternity-list placement before the series ends. His health and availability will be monitored as the team approaches the season’s final stretch and Ohtani remains a top National League MVP candidate.
