Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani a late scratch vs. Orioles, away from team on paternity leave

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was an unexpected late scratch for Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

But there’s no reason to worry about injury in Los Angeles. Shortly after releasing a lineup card without Ohtani in it, the Dodgers announced that he’s away from the team on paternity leave.

Per the team, Ohtani’s expected to return to the team “sometime this weekend.”

For Friday, at least, outfielder Kyle Tucker will move into Ohtani’s regular leadoff spot in the lineup, and Ryan Ward will take his spot at designated hitter and bat seventh.

Per the timeline offered by the Dodgers, Ohtani’s leave doesn’t appear to impact his place in the pitching rotation. Ohtani last pitched on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Roki Sasaki (Friday), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Saturday) and Emmett Sheehan (Sunday) are slated to start in the three-game home-stand against the Orioles. The Dodgers have not listed probable pitchers for road games against the Minnesota Twins on Monday and Tuesday.

Ohtani first went on paternity leave last April for the birth of his daughter and first child with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani and Tanaka have not revealed information to the public about her latest pregnancy.

Ohtani, 31, is in the midst of another sensational season with the Dodgers. The four-time MVP is a candidate for his fifth MVP trophy and his first Cy Young Award.

In 68 games at the plate, Ohtani’s slashing .296/.418/.545 with 15 home runs, 42 RBI and 6 stolen bases. In 12 starts on the mound, Ohtani has a 1.47 ERA and 0.882 WHIP with 78 strikeouts and 22 walks issued in 73 2/3 innings.

The two-time reigning World Series champion Dodgers entered Friday’s game with the best record in baseball and a nine-game lead in the NL West at 48-27.