Two-way star Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Sunday for a series finale with the Texas Rangers, and was revitalized from the fathers list after his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child in Southern California.
Otani, 30, who didn’t address the media before the match, becomes his familiar leadoff spot.
Manager Dave Roberts said Otani arrived in Texas late Saturday night.
“Back here and taking part in this certainly shows his ability to balance life and work,” Roberts said. “It’s good to get him back. Most importantly, I’m happy that he and Mamiko have a healthy baby girl.”
Roberts said his star is his father, expecting an exit speed of “dad strength.”
“Dad’s strength is real,” Roberts said. “It’s amazing that hei hits the ball right now. So, since he’s become his father, we might look at the 120 exit velos.”
Otani missed the first two games of the series. The Dodgers split and matched the winners of the previous two World Series. He has appeared in all of Los Angeles’ past 20 games, hitting .288 with six home runs and 21 runs (one after a major league lead).
“We are very grateful to our beloved wife (28-year-old former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka) who gave birth to our healthy and beautiful daughter,” Ohtani wrote on Instagram on Saturday. “Thank you to my daughter for making us very nervous and extremely anxious parents.”
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