Shohei Ohtani has gained a new honor: Father.

Ohtani announced on Saturday in an Instagram post that his wife, Mamiko, gave birth to their first child. The couple welcomed a baby girl into their family.

Ohtani went on the paternity list on Friday, then returned to the field by Sunday. He missed the first two games of the series against the Texas Rangers and participated in the final game.

Outfielder Eddie Rosario replaced Ohtani as the designated hitter while he was on the paternity list. The Dodgers designated Rosario for assingment the same day Ohtani returned.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he believes fatherhood will make Ohtani an even better player.

“Some of the attributes you get from being a dad do translate to the baseball field,” Roberts said. “Not sweating the small stuff. Understanding what’s most important. I have seen our players evolve in how they look at life and baseball.”

“Now that he is a father,” Roberts joked, “we might see some 120[-mph] exit velos off the bat.”

Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s work-life balance, as he quickly returned to playing with the Dodgers just a day after his daughter’s birth.

“For him to just make sure the baby was healthy and to get back here, and to be a part of this, certainly shows his ability to balance life and work,” Roberts said. “It’s good to have him back. And most importantly, I’m happy him and Mamiko have a healthy baby girl.”

Ohtani joins several of his Dodgers teammates on the journey of fatherhood.

In April 2023, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol and former Dodgers Caleb Ferguson all had babies within about two weeks of each other. Then, in September of that year, Chris Taylor and former Dodgers Jason Heyward, Walker Buehler, and David Peralta had a joint baby shower.

As of now, Ohtani is the only current Dodgers player to have a baby this season. Roberts expects him to elevate his game because of it.

“Dad strength,” Roberts said, “is real.”

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