Shohei Ohtani misses Los Angeles Dodgers’ win over Texas Rangers as he awaits birth of first child

CNN - Apr 19th, 2025
Open on CNN

Shohei Ohtani, a star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, missed Friday's game against the Texas Rangers to be with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, as they await the birth of their first child. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani is on paternity leave, which allows for up to three days off, with a possibility for extension if necessary. Despite his absence, the Dodgers managed a 3-0 victory over the Rangers. Ohtani's return is uncertain, though there is a possibility he may rejoin the team over the weekend. Ohtani has been a key player this season, participating in all 20 games prior to his leave, maintaining a batting average of .288 with a .930 OPS.

Ohtani's decision to prioritize family highlights the balancing act professional athletes often face between personal and professional commitments. His wife, Mamiko, is a former basketball star in Japan, adding a layer of public interest to their family life. Ohtani's absence could impact the Dodgers' upcoming games against the Rangers and the Chicago Cubs. This personal development follows Ohtani's standout 2024 season, emphasizing his continued importance to the team. The situation underscores the human aspect behind the athlete, reminding fans and the sports community of the personal lives behind public figures.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate account of Shohei Ohtani's paternity leave, supported by credible sources and direct quotes. It is timely and relevant to sports fans, addressing themes of work-life balance and personal responsibilities. The writing is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the situation. However, the article could benefit from additional perspectives and broader context to enhance balance and engagement. While it is unlikely to provoke controversy or drive significant societal changes, it effectively informs readers about a current event involving a high-profile athlete.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate account of Shohei Ohtani's situation, with key details such as his absence from the Dodgers' game due to paternity leave, his placement on the paternity list, and his recent performance statistics. The article accurately quotes Dodgers manager Dave Roberts about Ohtani's situation. However, certain details, like the exact date of Ohtani's return and the precise timing of the child's birth, remain unspecified, which slightly affects the overall accuracy. The story's claims are consistent with publicly available information from reliable sources, such as MLB.com and other news outlets.

7
Balance

The article maintains a balanced tone, focusing on the factual aspects of Ohtani's paternity leave without delving into speculative or opinionated content. It provides information from the perspective of the Dodgers' management and Ohtani's personal life, but it does not include viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as fans or sports analysts, which could have enriched the narrative. The absence of contrasting opinions or broader context regarding the impact of Ohtani's absence on the team slightly limits the balance.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with a clear structure and logical flow of information. It uses straightforward language and provides necessary background information, such as Ohtani's recent marriage and performance statistics, to contextualize the current situation. The quotes from Dave Roberts are integrated smoothly into the narrative, enhancing clarity. The only minor issue is the lack of specific details about Ohtani's return date, which could have been more explicitly stated.

8
Source quality

The article quotes a credible source, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, which adds to its reliability. The use of direct quotes from a team official provides authority and authenticity to the information presented. However, the article could have strengthened its source quality by referencing additional sources, such as official statements from the Dodgers or MLB, to corroborate the details about Ohtani's paternity leave and performance statistics.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly stating the source of its information and the context of Ohtani's absence. It provides a straightforward account of the situation without hidden agendas or biases. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the procedures related to MLB's paternity and restricted lists, which could have enhanced the reader's understanding of the situation. Additionally, the article does not discuss any potential conflicts of interest or biases in its reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44737533/dodgers-placing-shohei-ohtani-paternity-list
  2. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/04/d8c290be5f80-baseball-ohtani-takes-paternity-leave-for-birth-of-1st-child.html?phrase=satoru+komiyama&words=
  3. https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-roster-shohei-ohtani-paternity-list-eddie-rosario-called-up-oklahoma-city/2025/04/18/
  4. https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-place-shohei-ohtani-on-paternity-list