Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star player, has taken a brief leave from the team as he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, await the birth of their first child. Ohtani was placed on the paternity list before the Dodgers' series against the Texas Rangers, which began on Friday. He can remain on this list for up to three days, which means he could return for the Dodgers' upcoming games against the Chicago Cubs starting Tuesday.

Ohtani, known for his remarkable achievements on the field, including being a three-time MVP and leading the Dodgers to a World Series victory last season, has been a key player for the team. This season, he has maintained a .288 batting average with six home runs and eight RBIs over 20 games. Despite his absence, the Dodgers have called up veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill his spot on the roster.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed uncertainty about the exact timing of the birth but confirmed that Ohtani and Tanaka are together in Southern California, eagerly awaiting their child's arrival. Ohtani's personal life has been largely private, with his marriage to Tanaka, a former professional basketball player in Japan, only revealed after the fact.

According to MLB.com, Ohtani's return to the team could happen as early as this weekend, depending on the birth. However, if he stays on the paternity list for the full three days, he will likely rejoin the Dodgers for their series against the Cubs.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, Ohtani has yet to pitch this season following elbow surgery last year, and his return to the mound is still a few months away. Despite this, his contributions as a designated hitter have been significant.

The Dodgers, currently holding a 14-6 record, continue to perform well, having recently swept the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series. With Ohtani's temporary absence, the team looks to maintain its momentum as it navigates this period without one of its star players.

Tim Conway Jr