LOS ANGELES — No Sho.
Shohei Ohtani was not in the Dodgers’ starting lineup for Friday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. The team said he was “away from the team on paternity.” He is expected back at some point this weekend so he remains on the active roster.
Ohtani did arrive at the stadium at his usual pregame time but apparently left to join his wife, Mamiko, for the birth of their second child.
The Dodgers were late in releasing their lineup before the game. When asked to explain the delay, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was “working through some things with some position players.” At that point, Roberts said he hadn’t spoken to Ohtani.
Asked if those things were health-related, Roberts said, “No.”
Ohtani’s first child, a daughter, was born in April 2025. He has guarded her privacy since, announcing the birth on social media but not mentioning her name or posting any photos since.
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Ohtani himself has been dealing with some physical issues recently. He missed one game last week with left knee inflammation, which Roberts said the team’s training staff is going to have to manage with Ohtani going forward. Ohtani has also had a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. Blood was visible on his hand during his most recent start on Wednesday afternoon.
With Ohtani out, rookie Ryan Ward was the designated hitter on Friday, batting seventh. Right fielder Kyle Tucker moved up to the leadoff spot that Ohtani usually occupies.
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More to come on this story.