Rougned Odor was in the Texas Rangers' lineup Sunday morning hours after his girlfriend gave birth to their daughter, Emma Valentina.
It's the couple's first child. Mother Liusca Criollo and baby (eight pounds, 19 1/2 inches) are doing great at a DFW hospital.
"It’s a tremendous event for every parent," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. Banister gave Odor the option for a day off but he wanted to play. So he's hitting as the designated hitter against the Blue Jays on Sunday. Odor won't take maternity leave.
"These guys play through a number of events in their life daily," Banister said.