Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani missed Friday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium to be with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, for the birth of their second child.
According to team officials, the 31-year-old two-way player was not placed on Major League Baseball's official paternity list, leaving Los Angeles temporarily shorthanded on the bench.
The organization announced that Ohtani is expected to rejoin the active roster at some point over the weekend.
In his absence, outfielder Kyle Tucker filled the leadoff spot while rookie Ryan Ward served as the designated hitter.
Hours before the official lineup announcement, media speculation grew regarding Ohtani's status following recent bouts with a blister on his right hand and left knee inflammation.
Manager Dave Roberts delayed releasing the lineup card while addressing organizational adjustments ahead of the matchup.
According to ESPN, Roberts explained beforehand that he was finalizing details regarding the active roster.
"Some things with some position players," said Dave Roberts, Manager.
The manager also clarified that Ohtani's physical status remained stable following a scheduled day off on Thursday.
Roberts noted he had not spoken directly with the superstar on Friday afternoon.
"Just assuming that after the off day he's in a good spot," said Dave Roberts, Manager.
Ohtani holds a . 296 batting average with 15 home runs and a .
963 OPS alongside a 7-2 record and a 1.47 ERA on the mound.
His temporary absence is not expected to disrupt his status in the pitching rotation, having last started on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Other Dodgers Injury Updates
Beyond Ohtani, the Dodgers provided health updates regarding other players on the injured list, including catcher Will Smith, who is scheduled to receive an injection for a stiff neck.
Roberts stated that recent diagnostic imaging on the catcher showed no severe structural damage.
"Fine," said Dave Roberts, Manager.
The manager added that the medical scans did not indicate a long-term setback for the starting catcher.
"Really bad," said Dave Roberts, Manager.
Smith previously discussed his medical evaluation prior to undergoing advanced imaging tests at the stadium.
"Inflamed disk," said Will Smith, Catcher.
Meanwhile, closer Edwin Diaz advanced in his recovery from elbow surgery by completing a 15-pitch bullpen session featuring fastballs ranging from 91 to 93 mph.
Roberts expressed optimism regarding the closer's throwing progression ahead of his projected return after the All-Star break.
"Really positive day for Edwin," said Dave Roberts, Manager.
Additionally, left fielder Teoscar Hernandez is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week for a strained left hamstring, while left-handed pitcher Blake Snell is nearing a mound progression after undergoing an elbow procedure in mid-May.
