Mon Apr 21 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Ohtani Returns to Dodgers After Daughter’s Birth, Manager Anticipates “Dad Strength” Boost
**ARLINGTON, TX** – Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani rejoined the team Sunday, one day after welcoming his first child, a baby girl, with wife Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani, who had been on paternity leave, returned to the leadoff spot and contributed to the Dodgers’ 1-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.
In an Instagram post, Ohtani expressed his gratitude and excitement about becoming a father. His return necessitated the designation for assignment of Eddie Rosario to make room on the roster.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s commitment, noting his quick return despite the opportunity to take the full three-day paternity leave. “For him to just make sure the baby was healthy and to get back here…certainly shows his ability to balance life and work,” Roberts said.
While Ohtani didn’t hit a home run in his first game back – a phenomenon sometimes dubbed “dad strength” – he drew a crucial walk during the Dodgers’ eighth-inning rally. Despite this, Roberts expressed confidence that fatherhood will enhance Ohtani’s already impressive performance. “‘Dad strength’ is real,” Roberts stated, speculating about even faster exit velocities from Ohtani’s powerful hits.
Before his paternity leave, Ohtani had a stellar start to the season, hitting .288 with a .930 OPS, six home runs, and 21 runs scored in the Dodgers’ first 20 games. The team and fans eagerly await to see how fatherhood will impact his already remarkable performance on the field.
First Piper 