Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani returns to lineup vs. Orioles after baby’s birth

Shohei Ohtani missed Friday night’s series opener versus the Baltimore Orioles for the birth of his second child, which he announced alongside wife Mamiko via an Instagram post, but he will be back in action for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The two-time American League MVP and two-time National League MVP is batting in the lead-off spot, per the team’s X account.

LA pulled off a wacky ninth-inning comeback without its top player, but the fans piling into Dodger Stadium will be ecstatic to watch this must-see talent step into the batter’s box. It might have been hard for Ohtani to return this soon if the two-time defending World Series champions were on the road, so chalk this one up to a fortuitous schedule development.

The four-time Silver Slugger communicated his appreciation following this latest life milestone. “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together,” Ohtani and his wife jointly stated. “Thank you for being born. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout his journey.”

The 31-year-old has done a fantastic job of balancing being a devastating hitter and dominant pitcher, so fans should not doubt his ability to handle two infant children. Shohei Ohtani has yet to encounter a challenge he cannot overcome.

The left-handed batter is slashing .296/.418/.545/.962 with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs, 15 doubles, two triples, 51 runs scored and six stolen bases. He is not too shabby on the mound, either, posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.882 WHIP and .491 OPS against in 73 2/3 innings pitched. The Dodgers (49-27) and Orioles (35-42) collide at 10:10 p.m. ET.

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