Shohei Ohtani Welcomes Second Child While Returning to Dodgers Lineup

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced the birth of their second child on Saturday via an Instagram post. The image accompanying the post displayed a newborn’s hands and feet swaddled in a blue blanket, with a small stuffed replica of Ohtani’s dog, Decoy, placed in the infant’s arms. The caption expressed gratitude for the safe arrival.

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The couple’s first child, a daughter, was born in April 2025. Ohtani has historically limited public exposure of his family, refraining from revealing his daughter’s name or publishing photographs that show her face. The recent announcement follows this pattern, offering only limited visual details.

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• Friday – Reports emerged that Ohtani was expecting a second child; the Dodgers delayed posting the day’s lineup.

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• Friday (later) – The team’s official roster note listed Ohtani as “away from the team on paternity.”

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• Saturday – Ohtani rejoined the active roster, batting leadoff in the game against the Baltimore Orioles.

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• Wednesday (upcoming) – He is scheduled to start on the mound against the Minnesota Twins, according to manager Dave Roberts.

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Ohtani’s brief removal from the lineup created a temporary vacancy in both the batting order and pitching rotation. His return restored the team’s two-way configuration, allowing manager Dave Roberts to maintain the planned leadoff position and upcoming rotation slot.

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The Instagram message from Ohtani and Tanaka conveyed joy over the newborn’s safe arrival. The Dodgers’ roster announcement identified Ohtani’s status as “away from the team on paternity.” In a pre-game interview, manager Dave Roberts said he presumed both the baby and mother were healthy, noting he had not yet spoken directly with Ohtani.

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The sources do not contain any reported criticism or opposing viewpoints regarding the birth announcement or Ohtani’s brief absence.

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• “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together. Thank you for being born safely,” — Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka

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• “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together.” — Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka

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• “away from the team on paternity.” — Los Angeles Dodgers (team statement)

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• “I'm assuming the baby is healthy, mom is healthy,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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Ohtani’s next scheduled appearance is a pitching start on the road against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. Further family updates may be shared through his social media channels, consistent with his prior approach to privacy.

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