Shohei Ohtani is reportedly set to take paternity leave, according to a fresh report that adds a major new twist to the Dodgers’ preparations for their upcoming game. The news comes amid growing attention on Ohtani’s status, and it also helps explain why his name did not appear in the Dodgers’ lineup for the team’s game scheduled for tonight against the Baltimore Orioles.
Per the report circulating through the baseball community, Ohtani was left out of the Dodgers lineup on the night in question. That omission immediately stood out because Ohtani has been one of the most closely watched players on the roster, both for his two-way impact and for the way his availability can influence Dodgers lineup construction and in-game decision-making. When a player of that magnitude is missing from the starting group, it typically signals either a routine rest day or a more personal or health-related matter—this report points specifically to the personal category.
The report indicates that Ohtani’s absence is connected to paternity leave. Paternity leave, in this context, would mean Ohtani taking time away from day-to-day team activities to welcome and/or care for a new family addition. While the underlying details of his situation are not described in the provided text, the core message is clear: the Dodgers and Ohtani are addressing a family matter, and that decision is reflected in his lineup status for the Orioles game.
It is also notable that the report is framed as breaking news, suggesting it was not widely expected before the lineup was released. The timing matters because lineup omissions are typically finalized close to game time, often after confirming travel schedules, day-of-game health checks, and readiness. Leaving Ohtani out of the lineup for a primetime matchup against the Orioles implies the decision was already in place by the time the Dodgers finalized their card.
From a team perspective, Ohtani’s absence can create multiple ripple effects. The Dodgers’ offensive planning often builds around his presence at the plate, as he can change the balance of an order with his ability to hit for power and average. Even when a team has depth, an elite star’s absence can force a manager to adjust the batting order, shuffle roles among everyday players, and potentially alter strategies on the basepaths and late-inning matchups.
The pitching side can also be impacted, depending on how the Dodgers manage the remainder of their two-way workload philosophy. Even if Ohtani is not scheduled to pitch in every game, his overall role in team preparation and lineup configuration still matters. His absence from the lineup tonight means the Dodgers will need to rely on other hitters to carry more of the load and to keep the offense productive against Orioles pitching.
For Orioles fans and the Baltimore organization, Ohtani not being in the lineup is a clear advantage heading into the game. Star hitters often shape how opponents approach at-bats—pitchers and catchers prepare specific sequences, and defensive alignments may be adjusted to support a high-impact batter. Removing that variable could simplify game planning for the Orioles, at least for this particular matchup.
As for Ohtani himself, taking paternity leave aligns with the broader pattern of professional athletes balancing family obligations with their careers. In major league sports, teams typically accommodate such requests when they are communicated in advance and when the player’s absence does not compromise the team’s immediate competitive needs. The Dodgers will likely monitor his availability closely after tonight, and future lineups will offer additional clarity on how long he may be away.
At the moment, the information provided is limited to two essential elements: first, the Dodgers left Ohtani out of the lineup for tonight’s game against the Orioles; and second, the reason given in the report is paternity leave. That combination makes it likely the Dodgers are acknowledging a personal matter while allowing the team to move forward with an adjusted lineup for the present contest.
Overall, the development is significant because it affects not only the immediate game but also how fans and analysts interpret the Dodgers’ lineup stability over the coming days. With Ohtani missing from tonight’s lineup due to the reported paternity leave, attention will now shift to whether he returns shortly after, how the Dodgers fill the gaps in the batting order, and what this means for Los Angeles’ short-term schedule and overall momentum.
Source: FabianArdaya
Dodgers Nation: BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani is going on paternity leave, per @FabianArdaya 🚨 Ohtani was left out of the Dodgers lineup for their game tonight vs the Orioles.. #breaking
— @DodgersNation May 1, 2026
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