- Shohei Ohtani placed on MLB paternity list for 1-3 games
- Dodgers debut Eddie Rosario as temporary designated hitter
- Ohtani’s December 2023 Instagram post revealed 2025 due date
- MLB grants 72-hour leave for player family events
- Tommy Edman hits leadoff homer in Ohtani’s absence
The Los Angeles Dodgers face temporary roster changes as two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani celebrates the birth of his first child. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani’s absence during Friday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers, marking the first time the $700 million star has utilized MLB’s family leave provisions since joining the team.
MLB’s collective bargaining agreement permits players to miss up to three games for paternity leave, a policy adopted in 2011 to support work-life balance. Unlike the NFL’s 3-day allowance or the NBA’s 4-game maximum, MLB’s 72-hour window provides flexibility for cross-country travel – crucial for West Coast teams like the Dodgers during road trips.
The Dodgers’ quick adjustment demonstrates championship-caliber roster depth. Veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario, signed just six weeks prior, stepped into Ohtani’s DH role while batting eighth. Second baseman Tommy Edman’s leadoff home run against Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom showcased how LA’s $1.2 billion payroll creates multiple scoring threats.
Ohtani’s family announcement via Instagram last December broke social media records, generating 2.1 million likes in 24 hours – triple the engagement of typical MLB player posts. Market analysts note such personal milestones can boost jersey sales by 18-22%, as seen when Aaron Judge became a father during the 2022 season.
Regional comparisons reveal varying team approaches to star player absences. When Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took paternity leave in 2023, New York lost all three games against last-place Oakland. In contrast, the 2022 Atlanta Braves went 2-1 without MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. during his child’s birth, leveraging platoon strategies that Dodgers management now emulates.
Industry experts highlight three long-term impacts of Ohtani’s absence:
- Increased scrutiny of MLB’s family leave policies during playoff races
- Growing emphasis on veteran bench players in roster construction
- Social media’s role in personal-brand storytelling for athletes
As Ohtani prepares to return, the Dodgers’ ability to maintain their NL West lead without their top hitter (.368 OBP) could foreshadow postseason resilience. With 142 games remaining, this brief hiatus might strengthen team chemistry while writing a new chapter in baseball’s evolving relationship with family values.