Shohei Ohtani announced Saturday that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanakaexpecting their first child.
“I can’t wait for the little recruit to join our family soon! Ohtani, 30, wrote in an Instagram post, alongside a photo of baby clothes, an ultrasound and the couple’s dog, Dekopin.
The announcement comes about 10 months after Ohtani revealed that he and Tanaka, a former professional basketball player in Japan, had married during the offseason.
It also ends a year of change for the two-way star, who changed teams for the first time in his MLB career after signing of a 700 million dollar contract with the Dodgers last offseason.
Although he was unable to pitch while recovering from surgery, Ohtani helped lead the The Dodgers’ run to a World Series titlewinning his third Most Valuable Player award after orchestrating the first Season of 50 circuits and 50 flights in history.
Ohtani is expected to return to two-way duty next season, although his return to the mound will likely be delayed following surgery last month to repair a torn labrum he suffered during the World Series.
From now on, he will also take on fatherhood responsibilities.
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
