Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

When Will New Dad Shohei Ohtani Return to Dodgers Lineup?

Firstly, it’s a girl!!!

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are celebrating the arrival of their first child, a daughter, whom they welcomed into the world on Saturday. In a heartfelt announcement, Ohtani shared his joy and gratitude with fans and loved ones alike.

“Welcome to the Ohtani Family!” he posted, expressing his thanks to his wife for delivering their “healthy, beautiful daughter.” He added, “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.” Ohtani also acknowledged the support from the Dodgers organization, his teammates, and the fans, as well as the medical professionals who helped make this day possible. Before the start of the series against the Texas Rangers, the Dodgers placed Ohtani on MLB’s paternity list.

When Will Shohei Ohtani Return?

Manager Dave Roberts provided an update after the Dodgers’ 4-3 loss to the Rangers on Saturday night, revealing that Ohtani had already communicated his plans to rejoin the team for Sunday’s game.

Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani texted him. He is expected back with #Dodgers for Sundays game.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 19, 2025

Ohtani’s paternity leave allows him to miss up to three games, which means he could be back in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Rangers. After that, the Dodgers have an off day on Monday before heading to Chicago to face the Cubs on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update: “Still a Couple of Months Away”

The Dodgers are hoping Ohtani’s return will provide a boost as they look to even up the series, which is currently tied at 1-1 after Saturday’s loss, marked by a walk-off home run from Texas’ Adolis Garcia.

Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.