Shohei Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Lineup After Birth of First Child

Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Sunday, rejoining the team for their series finale against the Texas Rangers after being placed on the paternity list. The two-way superstar and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their first child — a healthy baby girl — in Southern California earlier in the week.

Ohtani, 30, didn’t speak to the media before the game, but was slotted right back into his usual leadoff spot. Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani arrived in Texas late Saturday night and praised his commitment to balancing family and baseball.

“To get back here and be a part of this certainly shows his ability to balance life and work,” Roberts said. “Good to have him back — and most importantly, I’m happy he and Mamiko have a healthy baby girl.”

Roberts also joked that fatherhood might give Ohtani an extra boost at the plate. “Dad strength is real,” he said. “It’s amazing how hard Shohei already hits the ball. Now that he’s a father, you might see some 120 mph exit velos.”

Ohtani had played in all of the Dodgers’ first 20 games before missing the first two of the Rangers series, which the Dodgers split. He entered Sunday hitting .288 with six home runs and 21 runs scored — just one off the MLB lead.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, Ohtani shared his gratitude: “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.”

With Ohtani back in the fold — and now a proud dad — the Dodgers will be hoping for even more fireworks from their MVP-caliber slugger.