Overview
- The Dodgers said Ohtani was away for paternity and he missed Friday's game before the couple announced the birth on Instagram the next day.
- Ohtani and his wife Mamiko posted photos of the newborn wrapped in a blue swaddle and did not disclose the child’s name or sex.
- Reports conflicted on whether the Dodgers placed Ohtani on MLB’s formal paternity list, but the practical outcome was a one-game absence with no long roster move.
- He rejoined the lineup the following day as the leadoff designated hitter and hit a home run in his first game back, recorded as his 16th of the season.
- The break came while Ohtani is managing a blister on his pitching finger and recent left-knee inflammation, and he remains an elite two-way performer and candidate for major awards.