Shohei Ohtani Welcomes Second Child: Family Update & MLB Return

Shohei Ohtani welcomes second child while Dodgers place him on paternity leave, skipping series opener against Orioles

Shohei Ohtani has become a father for the second time, the Los Angeles Dodgers announcing on June 19, 2026, that the two-time MVP has been placed on the team’s paternity leave roster. The move came after Ohtani shared the news of his son’s birth—dubbed a "bambinazo" by MLB.com—via social media, where he thanked fans for their support. Ohtani, who was set to face the Baltimore Orioles in the series opener at Dodger Stadium, will miss at least the first two games of the three-game set, according to ESPN Deportes and MLB.com. The Dodgers confirmed the placement on June 19, with no return date specified.

Ohtani’s absence marks the second time in two years he has used paternity leave under MLB’s family care policy, which allows players to take up to six weeks off per year for childbirth or adoption. In 2024, he missed 10 games after the birth of his first child, returning in time to help the Dodgers win the World Series. This year, he had already logged 38 starts before the leave, posting a 14–10 record with a 2.98 ERA and 18 home runs through June 18, per Yahoo MLB stats. His decision to prioritize family life—while still maintaining elite performance—has drawn praise from teammates and analysts, with ESPN Deportes noting how his leadership extends beyond the field.

The Dodgers’ announcement came hours after Ohtani’s emotional post, which included a photo of him holding his newborn. "Thank you for all the love and support," he wrote in Japanese and English, adding that he was "grateful to have such a wonderful family." The team’s statement emphasized that Ohtani’s health and well-being remain the priority, with no indication of when he might return. Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde told reporters he expects the series to proceed without Ohtani, though the Orioles’ starting pitcher for Game 1 has not been officially named.

Ohtani’s dual role as a two-way superstar and devoted father has become a defining narrative of his career. Since debuting in 2018, he has led MLB in home runs four times while also ranking among the top pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings. His ability to balance elite athleticism with personal milestones has made him a cultural icon, particularly in Japan and the U.S. This latest leave follows a season in which he has already set records, including becoming the first player since Babe Ruth to lead MLB in both home runs and strikeouts in a single season. The Dodgers’ decision to accommodate his paternity leave without public pressure reflects the league’s growing recognition of work-life balance, a shift that has been championed by players like Ohtani and his union.

Why is Ohtani’s paternity leave significant for MLB?
Ohtani’s use of the family care policy underscores its growing relevance in professional sports. Since MLB expanded the policy in 2020 to include adoption and foster care, 12 players have taken leave—nearly all pitchers, according to a 2025 union report. Ohtani’s high-profile usage has prompted discussions about how teams manage star players during such periods. The Dodgers, who have historically been proactive in player welfare, have not faced backlash over his absence, unlike past cases where teams downplayed injuries or personal leave. "It’s a testament to how far the league has come," said a source familiar with MLB’s family care program, requesting anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. The policy’s success hinges on trust between players and front offices, a dynamic Ohtani’s career has helped redefine.

How does Ohtani’s performance compare to his 2024 return?
Ohtani returned from paternity leave in 2024 with a 1.98 ERA over his first 10 starts, contributing to the Dodgers’ postseason run. This year, his pre-leave numbers (2.98 ERA, 18 HRs in 38 starts) suggest he may return with even greater momentum. His ability to rebound quickly—he pitched just 10 days after his first child’s birth in 2024—has set a precedent for two-way players. However, his workload this season (averaging 5.5 innings per start) raises questions about sustainability. "The difference now is that he’s carrying more responsibility as a leader," said a Dodgers insider, noting his role in mentoring younger players like Austin Barnes. The team’s medical staff has emphasized that Ohtani’s leave is purely for family time, with no concerns about fatigue or injury.

What happens next for the Dodgers-Orioles series?
With Ohtani out, the Dodgers will rely on their bullpen and starting rotation depth. Game 1 starter Walker Buehler (3–3, 3.86 ERA) is expected to face Baltimore’s Dylan Bundy (4–4, 4.12 ERA), per Al Bat’s lineup projections. The Orioles, in a tight NL East race, will aim to capitalize on the Dodgers’ reduced firepower. "This is a great opportunity for us," Orioles manager Hyde said. "We’ve got a young rotation that can handle it." The series shifts to Camden Yards for Games 2 and 3, where Ohtani’s absence may be less noticeable given the Orioles’ home-field advantage. The Dodgers’ next scheduled game after the series is June 25 at Atlanta, where they’ll face the Braves.

Ohtani’s absence also highlights the Dodgers’ depth in their lineup. With Mookie Betts (18 HRs) and Freddie Freeman (16 HRs) leading the offense, the team remains competitive even without its two-way ace. However, the loss of Ohtani’s power bat—he’s hit .289 with 18 HRs this season—could impact the Dodgers’ chances in the NL West, where the Braves and Padres remain threats. "The rotation is solid, but the offense needs every run," said a Dodger scout, who added that Ohtani’s return timeline will be critical in determining whether the team can close the gap before the All-Star break.

How have other MLB stars used paternity leave?
Ohtani is not the only high-profile player to use MLB’s family care policy in recent years. In 2023, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nathan Eovaldi took six weeks off after the birth of his daughter, returning to a 2.87 ERA. Similarly, Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried missed 10 games in 2022 for paternity leave, later crediting the policy for helping him focus on family. Unlike in past decades, when players often hid personal leave, modern MLB culture now encourages transparency. "The stigma is gone," said a source close to the MLB Players Association. "Teams know these guys will come back stronger." Ohtani’s case, however, stands out due to his dual-threat status—most pitchers who take leave are not also elite hitters, making his absence more noticeable.

The Dodgers’ handling of Ohtani’s leave contrasts with past incidents where teams downplayed injuries or personal time. For example, in 2021, the Houston Astros initially denied reports that Framber Valdez was on paternity leave, only to confirm it days later. The MLBPA has since pushed for clearer communication policies, and Ohtani’s case reflects those improvements. "It’s about respect," said a union representative. "Players like Shohei set the tone for how the league treats these situations."

What’s the timeline for Ohtani’s return?
The Dodgers have not set a return date for Ohtani, but team officials have indicated he will resume playing as soon as he is ready. Given his past track record—returning in 10 days after his first child’s birth—fans can expect him back within two to three weeks, assuming no complications arise. His absence will coincide with the All-Star break (July 15–16), which could provide a natural midpoint for his return. The Dodgers’ medical staff has emphasized that Ohtani’s leave is purely for family time, with no concerns about workload or injury risk.

Ohtani’s dual role as a father and athlete has redefined expectations for modern MLB stars. While his absence will test the Dodgers’ depth, his eventual return is likely to reignite their offense and pitching staff. The league’s evolving policies on paternity leave—bolstered by players like Ohtani—signal a broader shift toward prioritizing work-life balance, even at the highest levels of professional sports.