In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on April 19, 2025, that star player Shohei Ohtani has been placed on the "Paternity List". This decision comes just as the team gears up for a crucial three-game series against the Texas Rangers, which Ohtani will miss as he prepares to welcome his first child with his wife, Makiko.
The Paternity List, established in 2011 through an agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Players Association, allows players to take leave starting 48 hours before the expected birth of their child. They can remain on the list for a maximum of three days, during which time they receive their regular salary. In Ohtani's absence, 33-year-old Eddy Rosario has been promoted to the major league roster to fill the void.
Ohtani's placement on the Paternity List is significant not only for his personal life but also for the Dodgers, who are looking to maintain their momentum in the highly competitive National League West. The team has relied heavily on Ohtani's contributions both as a pitcher and a hitter, making his absence felt even more keenly.
As the Dodgers prepare for their match against the Rangers, they will need to rally together in the face of this unexpected challenge. The series represents a critical moment in the season, and the team is determined to perform well despite Ohtani's absence.
Meanwhile, the league has seen a growing trend of players utilizing the Paternity List, with notable past users including Daniel Murphy of the Mets, who was the first to use it in 2014, and Yu Darvish of the Padres, who took advantage of the list in August 2022. Ohtani's name now joins this list, reflecting a shift in the culture of professional sports towards acknowledging family commitments.
In related news, the Hanshin Tigers continue to struggle in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, with a disappointing home record of just 1 win, 7 losses, and 1 draw at Koshien Stadium. This has left the team with zero profit in the standings, a situation that has fans and analysts alike concerned about the team's direction.
The Tigers faced a tough matchup recently, with a particularly painful loss highlighted by defensive errors. In a game that saw them concede three runs in the second inning due to a series of mistakes, including two errors from shortstop Kinoshita in a single inning, the crowd at Koshien was left in shock. Kinoshita later took responsibility, stating, "It's my fault, so I have to take it. I need to do better for my teammates and the fans."
Adding to the Tigers' woes, they have now suffered three shutout losses this season, a troubling statistic that has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. Manager Fujikawa expressed his frustration, saying, "It's our responsibility for not using the players effectively. We need to figure this out quickly."
In contrast, the Cubs' Seiya Suzuki made headlines for a historic achievement, earning a save for the first time in 113 years, a feat that has rekindled interest in the team's performance this season. The Cubs are enjoying a resurgence, with Suzuki's contributions being a significant factor in their success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both the Dodgers and the Tigers as they navigate their respective challenges. For the Dodgers, the focus will be on how they adapt to Ohtani's absence, while the Tigers will need to find a way to turn their fortunes around and regain the trust of their fans.
With the stakes high and the season still unfolding, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable few weeks ahead in both leagues.
