Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Takes Paternity Leave, Misses Game Against Orioles Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was unexpectedly removed from Friday’s lineup against the Baltimore Orioles, with the team citing paternity leave as the reason for his absence. The announcement came after the Dodgers released their initial game plan without Ohtani, prompting further clarification that he would be away from the team during this period. According to the club, Ohtani is anticipated to return to the roster “sometime this weekend,” though no specific date was provided. For Friday’s contest, the Dodgers adjusted their batting order, moving outfielder Kyle Tucker into Ohtani’s regular leadoff position. Ryan Ward, who had previously filled in as a designated hitter, was placed in the seventh slot. Despite the lineup changes, Ohtani’s role in the pitching rotation remains unaffected. The two-time World Series champion had thrown 73 2/3 innings in 12 starts earlier in the season, with a 1.47 ERA and 0.882 WHIP. His last appearance came on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers’ schedule for the three-game home series against the Orioles includes Roki Sasaki (Friday), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Saturday), and Emmet Sheehan (Sunday) as scheduled starters. Probable pitchers for the upcoming road games against the Minnesota Twins on Monday and Tuesday have not yet been announced. This marks Ohtani’s second paternity leave of the season. He previously took time off in April following the birth of his daughter with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. The couple has not disclosed details about their latest pregnancy, though Ohtani and Tanaka have remained private about their family life. At 31, Ohtani is in the midst of a historic season with the Dodgers.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #baltimore_orioles #kyle_tucker #mamiko_tanaka
