Shohei Ohtani misses Dodgers game for birth of second child
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 12:51 AM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Shohei Ohtani is away from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the birth of his second child, missing the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles on June 20, 2026. The Dodgers chose not to place him on the paternity list, expecting him to return later this weekend. Rookie Ryan Ward took Ohtani’s spot as designated hitter while Kyle Tucker moved to the leadoff position. Ohtani last pitched on June 18 and has been dealing with a blister on his pitching hand and knee inflammation; his absence does not significantly affect the pitching rotation.
- •Ohtani is away for paternity leave.
- •Ryan Ward is designated hitter in Ohtani's absence.
- •Kyle Tucker moves to leadoff spot.
- •Ohtani last pitched on June 18 against the Rays.
- •Return expected later this weekend.
- 2:18 AMESPN MLB — Ohtani (paternity) not in Dodgers' lineup vs. O's
- 1:23 AMYahoo Sports — Shohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave, to Miss Friday’s Game
- 12:51 AMYahoo Sports — Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup vs. Orioles for birth of his second child
- 12:24 AMYahoo Sports — Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani a late scratch vs. Orioles, away from team on paternity leave
"Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will miss Friday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles as he’s been placed on paternity leave. He’s expecting his second child. No word has been released about when he will be back in action.…
"Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was an unexpected late scratch for Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. But there’s no reason to worry about injury.
"Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is away from the team ahead of its series start against the Baltimore Orioles for the birth of his second child.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBJun 20, 2026, 2:18 AMOhtani (paternity) not in Dodgers' lineup vs. O's
Shohei Ohtani wasn't in the Dodgers' lineup on Friday night because he is "away from the team on paternity."
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 1:23 AMShohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave, to Miss Friday’s Game
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will miss Friday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles as he’s been placed on paternity leave. He’s expecting his second child. No word has been released about when he will be back in action.…
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 12:51 AMShohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup vs. Orioles for birth of his second child
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is away from the team ahead of its series start against the Baltimore Orioles for the birth of his second child.
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 12:24 AMDodgers star Shohei Ohtani a late scratch vs. Orioles, away from team on paternity leave
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was an unexpected late scratch for Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. But there’s no reason to worry about injury.
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