Los Angeles Dodgers' standout player Shohei Ohtani added to paternity leave roster
The Los Angeles Dodgers' versatile star, Shohei Ohtani, was put on the paternity list before their Friday night game against the Texas Rangers.
Ohtani's wife, Mamiko, is expected to give birth to their first child.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told reporters, "He and Mamiko are anticipating the birth at some point. I don't know when he'll return or when the baby will arrive, but they're together in preparation."
While on the paternity list, Ohtani is allowed to miss three games. The Dodgers have a three-game series against the Rangers and a day off on Monday before starting a two-game series against the Cubs in Chicago on Tuesday.
In late December, Ohtani announced the news of his wife's pregnancy.
This season, Ohtani, 30, has a batting average of .288 and six home runs in 20 games, but has only driven in eight runs.
The three-time MVP is in his eighth season and won his first two MVP awards with the Los Angeles Angels. He joined the Dodgers last season and has hit 231 career home runs in 880 games.
The Dodgers also called up veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario and right-hander Noah Davis from Triple-A Oklahoma City, with Davis starting Friday's game. Los Angeles also moved right-hander Edgardo Henriquez (foot) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL to make room for Rosario on the 40-man roster.
Rosario, 33, has a career batting average of .262 with 169 home runs and 583 RBIs in 1,121 games with the Minnesota Twins (2015-20), Cleveland Guardians (2021), Atlanta Braves (2021-23, 2024), and Washington Nationals (2024). He was hitting .339 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 14 games at Oklahoma City.
