Just when the Dodgers started getting their pace again, after their beatdown by the Phillies, Nationals, and Cubs, their face isn’t there on Friday’s game against the Rangers. Yes, the Globe Life Field will not witness the towering homers by Shohei Ohtani. What’s worse is that Ohtani could potentially miss the entire weekend series. But he might rejoin the team later in the weekend.

But sometimes, it’s okay to miss a game or two, when life happens, isn’t it? And when it comes to welcoming a new life? That tops the list. That’s what is going on in the Ohtani family. Shotime has been placed on the paternity list, anticipating the birth of his first child.

“Shohei Ohtani has gone on paternity leave as he expects his first child soon,” the Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts updated.

Under MLB rules, players on the paternity list can be away from the team for up to three days. So, the team might miss Ohtani for the entire series against the Rangers. While fans surely miss a superstar like Ohtani on the field, you cannot deny that paternity leave is the most heartwarming and meaningful reason to step away. Moreover, it’s a great reminder that even the biggest stars have personal lives and moments that transcend the game.

It sets a strong example — embracing fatherhood and taking time for family can and should be celebrated, even in pro sports. And it’s Ohtani! He’ll come back just as focused, probably with some serious “dad strength” at the plate!

But currently, we cannot wait to see Ohtani, Mamiko, their new baby, and Decoy, the fan-favorite pup! That’s a dream team right there.

With Ohtani’s current form, it was surely a tough call for the team to let him go. However, presently, as the game goes on, in the bottom of the 3rd inning, LAD is leading the game by 1-0. In fact, Tommy Edman started the game with a leadoff homer to right-center (398 feet).

Meanwhile, fans are wishing Shohei Ohtani good luck and hoping for his return soon! Well, someone who is leading the team with a .288 batting average, along with a double, a triple, and six home runs, will surely be missed.

But the team has also made a smart move in filling the shoes of Ohtani for the next 3 games. Guess who?

The Dodgers scrambled a veteran to replace Ohtani

Eddie Rosario is a solid veteran to plug into the lineup while Ohtani is away. He’s got playoff experience and pop from the left side. Remember his World Series campaign with the Braves in 2021? Well, fans won’t forget his NLCS MVP run with the Braves the same year.

Rosario’s bat can heat up quickly, and even if he’s not as consistent as he once was, he brings a spark off the bench or in a spot start. Coming up with 10 HRs and 35 RBIs over the last year is good enough as a short-term replacement!

Moreover, with Ohtani expected to be back in a few days, it’s a smart, low-risk move to keep the roster balanced while giving a veteran like Rosario another shot. Let’s see if he makes the most of the opportunity.

Tbh, seasons aren’t won solely by superstars. Yes, that’s a hard truth. They’re won in moments like this — when a veteran steps up in the absence of a cornerstone, and the rest of the league watches to see if the machine keeps running smoothly. The Dodgers know what it takes to manage a star-studded depth! For Rosario, it’s a chance for redemption, yes, but also a test of the Dodgers’ culture — one that expects excellence at every level.

If Rosario can deliver the expected outcome, it not only fixes the lineup in Shohei Ohtani’s absence but also reinforces a message to the clubhouse and fanbase: The Dodgers are built for the long haul!