I know Ohtani DH's that's all he's ever done offensively, so that changes nothing, but I didn't know about any meeting or fallout, that might explain it. I thought he had a FO position after he retired, guess not?
There's no kids helping that team by the way, unless you're speaking of Walsh or maybe Thaiss. Walsh was already playing everyday, Juan Lagares is playing LF, minimal upgrade.