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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 02: Shohei Ohtani (L) and Mamiko Tanaka arrive at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s 2024 Blue Diamond Gala at Dodger Stadium on May 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 02: Shohei Ohtani (L) and Mamiko Tanaka arrive at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s 2024 Blue Diamond Gala at Dodger Stadium on May 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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The announcement started with a moving Instagram post from Ohtani himself. A wholehearted message full of thanks and the charming jitters of becoming a parent. “I am so grateful to my loving wife, who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter,” his words captured a great love and respect. “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents,” he continued with a message any new parent could relate to. The beautiful chaos of little socks and restless nights has officially begun!
Ohtani left fans and experts buzzing when he missed a game recently. But all those questions turned into a collective “aww” with his touching news. From the Dodgers organisation and colleagues to the hundreds of supporters worldwide, congratulations have been pouring in. Offering her love, Cara Smith, wife of Dodgers catcher Will Smith, shared her excitement, “Congratulations 💕🫶🏼💕,” in Ohtani’s comments.
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Billie Jean King, a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a true sports icon, added her voice to the chorus of congratulations. Her Instagram account sent her kind wishes straight to the new parents: “Congratulations to Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko, on the arrival of their daughter! Wishing the family great happiness and continued health for all.” King’s message captures the Dodgers family’s excitement and the universal joy of new life and fatherhood.
Widespread support and appreciation for Ohtani’s journey into parenthood highlight the close-knit Dodgers organization and extended family. His return from the MLB’s paternity list excites fans and teammates. But fans are still wondering: When is he returning?
When is Shohei Ohtani returning from paternity leave?
In Dodger Land, a few games felt like an eternity in Ohtani’s absence. But the wait is over, Blue Crew! Yes, you heard it right, #17 will rejoin the roster.
He is scheduled to be back on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster for their next game, which will be played against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. “He’ll rejoin us tomorrow,” manager Dave Roberts revealed, confirming that Ohtani is ready to return to the squad.
Well, in his absence, veteran Eddie Rosario filled in, who has shown flashes of genius. But his current batting average of .217 lags behind Ohtani’s outstanding .288 average, coupled with six home runs and eight RBIs this year. Ohtani’s comeback is eagerly awaited by fans, as it will bring back his offensive capability to the lineup.
Without him, the Dodgers started their road trip—the first time this season he was not in the lineup. How did they perform? Quite well; the team extended its winning streak to four games. But then suffered a walk-off loss to the Rangers on Saturday. MLB regulations state that players on paternity leave can miss at least one day but no more than three. So, Ohtani qualifies for a return next game.
As the Dodgers continue to strive for success this season, his presence is expected to uplift them both on and off the field. So, are you also excited to watch his return?
Written by
Edited by
Pratyusha Srivastava