Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is officially a father of two. The two-way phenom and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced the birth of their second child early Saturday morning after Ohtani missed Friday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles on paternity leave.
The couple shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of a baby dressed in blue and cradled in a matching blue blanket. The post did not explicitly reveal the baby’s name or gender. A blue blanket suggests the couple may now be parents to a son.
“We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together,” the couple’s statement read. “Thank you for being born safely. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey”.
Fans grew concerned Friday night when Ohtani was not included in the Dodgers’ lineup against the Orioles. The lineup was released about two hours later than usual, according to MLB.com. Initial speculation centered on Ohtani’s recent injuries, including left knee inflammation and a blister on his right hand.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had not mentioned Ohtani when asked about the delayed lineup three hours before the game, saying only that he was working out “some things with some position players”.
The Dodgers later announced on X that Ohtani was “away from the team on paternity” and expected to return at some point during the weekend . He was not placed on MLB’s official paternity list, which would have allowed up to three days of paid leave.
Ohtani and Tanaka, 29, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2025. The couple has never publicly shared her name. That pregnancy was also kept private until the birth was announced.
The couple’s 2023 marriage was similarly secretive, with even the Dodgers organization reportedly unaware until after the fact . This time around, Roberts said he learned of the second pregnancy only “very recently” and that the birth was “imminent” earlier this week.
The Dodgers have games scheduled Saturday and Sunday against the Orioles. Ohtani is expected to rejoin the team at some point this weekend . He last pitched Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays and remains a candidate for his fifth MVP award and first Cy Young.
For now, the four-time MVP is focused on family. Congratulations are pouring in from fans and teammates alike for the newest addition to the Ohtani household.
