Story by
Why Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani will not play Friday vs. Orioles
- Story by
- Why Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani will not play Friday vs. Orioles
Why Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani will not play Friday vs. Orioles appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is enjoying a historic first half to the 2026 MLB campaign, as he contends for both the MVP and Cy Young Awards in the National League, but he is taking a bit of a break to be with his expanding family. The left-handed slugger and right-handed ace is not in the lineup for Friday's showdown with the Baltimore Orioles and is instead going on paternity leave , per the team's X account.
Advertisement
Ohtani is expected to rejoin the club this weekend. The 31-year-old and wife Mamiko welcomed their first child in April of 2025. He has experienced many life-changing moments since joining the Dodgers in December of 2023, and fans are grateful to have been part of this metamorphosis.
The two-time World Series champion and four-time MVP has amassed a .296 batting average, .418 on-base percentage, .545 slugging percentage and .962 OPS with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and 51 runs scored through 68 games. He also has a 1.47 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings of work. Barring injury, Ohtani will collect another MVP plaque, putting him within two of Barry Bonds' all-time record. The pitching crown will be harder to attain , however.
Milwaukee Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski currently leads the loaded field, with Cristopher Sanchez , Paul Skenes , Chris Sale and Dodgers World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto all in the mix. Shohei Ohtani does not need to seize this title, though. His legacy will already occupy an elite place in Cooperstown.
And when that time comes, ShoTime will be able to bask in his accomplishments with his family. He will support his wife and infant children before resuming his reign as the best player on the planet.
Related: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provides disappointing update on Will Smith's injury recovery
Related: Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez lands rehab assignment as injury return nears
