Shohei Ohtani returned to action this Sunday, April 20, 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing two games due to his recent paternity. The Japanese star, the reigning National League MVP, was activated from the paternity list following the birth of his first child with his wife, former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka.
“I am very grateful to my beloved wife, who gave birth to our healthy and beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us parents very nervous and at the same time super anxious,” Ohtani wrote on Instagram, reflecting the emotional moment she is living.
Closed game
The game was a pitching duel from the start.
Shohei Ohtani, as the first designated hitter, had no hits in his three at-bats.
However, he negotiated a key base on balls in the eighth inning that proved decisive.
That base allowed Will Smith to enter as a pinch runner.
He later scored the game’s only run on a sacrifice fly by Freddie Freeman.
Freeman’s hit was enough for the Dodgers to seal their 1-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.
It was the third game of the series and was played at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
I am very grateful to my beloved wife
Shohei Ohtani
Starter Tyler Glasnow was effective during his four innings pitched, allowing only three hits and striking out three batters.
Although he left as a precaution due to cramps, the Los Angeles bullpen maintained complete dominance over the Texans’ offense, completing a second shutout (3-0 on Friday, 1-0 on Sunday).
Relievers Alex Vesia, Ryan Brasier, Daniel Hudson and Evan Phillips combined to close the game scoreless.
This reaffirms the strength of the Dodgers’ pitching staff at the beginning of the season.
At the top of the West
Buzzy
With this win, the Dodgers won the series 2-1 and improved their record to 16-7, catching the San Diego Padres at the top of the NL West Division.
This position is crucial in the early 2025 playoff race, especially in such a competitive division.
Shohei Ohtani’s presence, even without offensive production in this game, generates an immediate impact on both the team’s morale and strategy.
His return coincides with a key moment in the calendar, with several important series coming up.
Shohei Ohtani’s transition to fatherhood marks a new stage in his personal and professional life.
His leadership on and off the field continues to be an inspiration, not only to Japanese and Angelino fans, but also to the Hispanic community in the United States.
He is admired as one of the most complete talents in baseball history.
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