In Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts excitedly welcomed Shohei Ohtani back to the team lineup, speculating on the potential benefits of โdad strengthโ that could result in unprecedented power at bat. However, Ohtaniโs return saw him recording 0 for 3 with one walk in the Dodgersโ narrow 1-0 victory against the Texas Rangers.
Ohtani, now 30 years old, rejoined the squad following his stint on the paternity list, accompanying the birth of his first child with his wife in Southern California. True to form, he led off for the Dodgers, occupying his usual spot at the top. His patience at the plate was pivotal in the eighth inning when a walk facilitated what became the winning play.
The pinch-hitter Will Smith advanced to second after Ohtaniโs walk, then moved to third via Mookie Bettsโ fly out to right field. Consequently, Smith dashed home from third on a sacrifice fly from Freddie Freeman, securing the Dodgersโ sole run. This win allowed the Dodgers to clinch the series two games to one, with both victories being shutouts. Sundayโs success was notable for the utilization of six relievers, stepping in after Tyler Glasnow exited early due to leg cramps.
Ohtani, who reached Texas late on Saturday, opted not to speak with reporters surrounding his return to the lineup. Roberts remarked on Ohtaniโs aggressive approach at the plate, attributing it to the couple of days Ohtani had off, which led to a degree of anxiousness as he re-entered play. Despite arriving late, Roberts did not sense any negative impact on Ohtaniโs performance, noticing his characteristic calm demeanor remained intact.
While musing about the potential effects of new fatherhood, Roberts humorously suggested that Ohtaniโs exit velocities might now be even higher due to newfound โdad strength.โ Roberts expressed his belief in the real boost fatherhood can provide, remembering how other players have evolved both in life and on the field once they embrace parenting.
Ohtaniโs participation prior to his brief absence included appearances in all of Los Angelesโ previous 20 games. His performance this season reflects a commendable .277 batting average, with six home runs and 21 runs scored so far. Expressing gratitude on Instagram, Ohtani took a moment to thank his wife, Mamiko Tanakaโa 28-year-old former professional basketball playerโfor bringing their healthy daughter into the world, along with expressing nervous joy at becoming a parent.