Shohei Ohtani returns to Dodgers lineup after birth of second child

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run, to take a 1-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Shohei Ohtani missed Friday night’s series opener for the birth of his second child, but he’s back in the Dodgers lineup against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night, batting in his usual leadoff spot as the designated hitter.

Ohtani on Saturday posted a statement on Instagram from him and his wife Mamiko after the birth of their second child.

We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together. Thank you for being born safely. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.

Shohei, Mamiko.

View this post on Instagram​

The Dodgers this time around did not use the paternity list, which allows for teams to replace a player on the roster for between one and three days. Instead, they played one man short on Friday.

The Ohtanis had their first child, a daughter, in April 2025, and then they called up Eddie Rosario to start at designated hitter for the two days Ohtani was away from the team.

Tonight's #Dodgers starting lineup for Game 2 against Baltimore: pic.twitter.com/GWdGCfZV2c

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 20, 2026

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