Shohei Ohtani Answers Questions On Interpreter, MLB Wants To Finish Investigation 'Soon'
Shohei Ohtani made his domestic debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, helping lead his new team to a comfortable 7-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ohtani, part of the so-called "checkbook baseball" Dodgers, had two hits and a walk, over the downtrodden, flat broke St. Louis "Midwestern Farmer" Cardinals.
But considering the news over the past week, that was the least interesting part of the Ohtani story. By now, the story of Ohtani's interpreter and his sports gambling addiction is well known. The twists and turns have been endless, though Ohtani did read a lengthy statement on Monday claiming that Ippei Mizuhara had stolen money from his account to pay millions in debt to an allegedly illegal bookie.
On Thursday though, Ohtani went a bit further, answering a few questions from Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. While earlier in the day, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed his timeline for the investigation.
Progress!
Mar 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrates with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after hitting a home run during the third inning of an opening day game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani Opens Up A Little Bit More…A Very Little Bit
Ohtani was asked about how Mizuhara got access to his bank account, a frequently asked question from fans confused as to what happened.
"I said all I could say at this point," Ohtani responded in Japanese, according to Hernandez. Hernandez went further, asking if he knew how the wire transfers went unnoticed, which led to Ohtani's most revealing answer: "It's under investigation," Ohtani said, "so I can't say anything."
Another important question around the investigation is which authorities were looking into it. Ohtani revealed he knows who it is, but can't say: "Of course," he said according to the Times, but didn't name who.
Answering questions is progress, though of course the answers won't satisfy many.
Rob Manfred on Thursday also said he hopes to wrap up the MLB investigation into Ohtani "soon," which could provide welcome relief, or potential devastation, to Dodgers fans waiting to see what happens.
Thankfully, some of the questions may get more comprehensive answers if Manfred does get the investigation done "soon."