Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be speaking with the media for the first time since allegations were made against his longtime interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Major League Baseball has opened an investigation into allegations that Mizuhara had placed illegal bets on non-baseball sports. Mizuhara has since been fired by the Dodgers. Ohtani is set to speak before the Dodgers play a spring training game against the Angels, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:10 p.m. ET.
During the Seoul Series, Ohtani performed well, going 3 for 10 with two runs batted in. As he prepares to speak with the media, Ohtani remains focused on his on-field performance and addressing the allegations surrounding his interpreter. The situation with Mizuhara came to light because sports betting remains illegal in California, where the Dodgers are based.
Major League Baseball’s policy allows personnel to gamble on non-baseball sports as long as it is legal in that jurisdiction. However, this policy does not apply to California due to its ban on gambling. This means that any illegal betting activities conducted by a personnel must be investigated separately from those conducted outside of California’s jurisdiction.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes that it will be beneficial for Ohtani to address the media about the situation. Roberts does not think the Ohtani-Mizuhara story has been a distraction to the rest of the team. The Dodgers recently played a two-game series in Seoul, South Korea against the San Diego Padres, going 1-1 in those games. They will now play three games against
