The Los Angeles Dodgers were without superstar Shohei Ohtani for just one game due to the birth of his second child. The franchise welcomed him back into the lineup on Saturday.
Upon his return, Ohtani obviously met up with manager Dave Roberts. But their conversation remained brief as both sides get back to focusing on winning, via ESPN News Services.
“I talked to him briefly and congratulated him and Mamiko,” Roberts said after Saturday's game. “He says his body feels great, so the day off was good for him. But I didn't talk much about anything else.”
While the Dodgers came up short against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday 3-2, Ohtani returned to the lineup in style. His ninth inning home run nearly sparked a Los Angeles comeback. Through his first 69 games, Ohtani is now hitting .295 with 16 home runs, 43 RBIs and six stolen bases.
His work on the mound has garnered far more attention during the 2026 season. Through his first 12 start, Ohtani holds a 1.47 ERA and a 78/22 K/BB ratio. Now officially back with Los Angeles, the Dodgers are expecting him to continue his two-way dominance.
With Ohtani helping lead the charge, the franchise is entering Sunday with a nine game lead in the NL West due to their 49-28 record. Whether it be on the mound or in the batter's box, Ohtani will play a crucial role in any success they find.
Now he'll have some extra motivation with a new child being born. Perhaps they'll get to begin their life by watching history with a World Series three-peat.
