Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Makes Major Announcement Heading Into Second Half of Season

Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the first inning against the American League during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani announced via Instagram he wrote a new book titled "Decoy Saves Opening Day," a story that follows his dog, Decoy, as he prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

More news: Dodgers' Freddie Freeman 'So Happy' for Yankees' $218 Million Star Getting Massive Contract

The children's book is available for preorder, and officially goes on sale February 2026.

Shohei Ohtani has announced the preorder for a new book he wrote starring him and his dog titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day”.

The story follows Decoy as he prepares to throw the first pitch on Opening Day but forgot his baseball at home 🥹 pic.twitter.com/jaTVjLdfXO

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 17, 2025

Harper Collins publisher provided a description of the book: “Decoy can’t wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season! The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard he’s ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends. It’s going to be the best day ever, but—oh, no!—Decoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before it’s too late?”

The website added: “Shohei Ohtani is the biggest name in baseball and a proud sponsor of animal rescue organizations. Shohei and Decoy hope to use the publication of Decoy Saves Opening Day to support the work these amazing nonprofits do helping dogs find their forever homes. While their fictional counterparts are saving opening day, Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need.”Ohtani now adds author to his already prolific resume.

On June 16, Ohtani made his long-awaited return to the mound against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers two-way star had not pitched since August 2023.

Dodgers fans have now experienced the greatness of Ohtani in both the batters box and on the mound for just over a month now. Ohtani has not disappointed as he leads the National League with 32 home runs and an OPS of .987, and also has a 1.00 ERA across nine innings on the bump.

More news: Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Says MLB Has Best All-Star Game

For more Dodgers news, visit Dodgers on SI.