Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani away from team for birth of his 2nd child

LOS ANGELES - No Sho.

Shohei Ohtani was not with the Dodgers for Friday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles. He was "away from the team on paternity," the team said, expecting the birth of his second child. He is expected back at some point this weekend so he remains on the active roster.

"I don't know (when he will be back)," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I'm hoping tomorrow. But I don't know."

Ohtani's first child, a daughter, was born in April 2025. He has guarded her privacy since, announcing the birth on social media but not mentioning her name or posting any photos since. In keeping with that, Roberts said he didn't learn Ohtani's wife, Mamiko, was pregnant until "very recently."

This week, the Dodgers knew the birth was "imminent," Roberts said. There was no word Friday night on whether the child had arrived.

Ohtani himself has been dealing with some physical issues recently. He missed one game last week with left knee inflammation, which Roberts said the team's training staff is going to have to manage with Ohtani going forward. Ohtani has also had a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. Blood was visible on his hand during his most recent start on Wednesday afternoon.

With Ohtani out, rookie Ryan Ward was the designated hitter on Friday, batting seventh. Right fielder Kyle Tucker moved up to the leadoff spot that Ohtani usually occupies.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 6:20 PM.