Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Expected to Be Cleared of Any Wrongdoing by MLB in Ippei Mizuhara Scandal

Shohei Ohtani is expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing by Major League Baseball in the investigation of his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. MLB will interview Ohtani, but he is expected to be cleared after the federal government finishes their investigation, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

This comes after Mizuhara surrendered to law enforcement last week following a complaint that revealed Mizuhara made over 19,000 gambling wagers over two years, and piled up over $100 million in losses. Mizuhara stole $16 million from Ohtani’s account, and was charged for bank fraud.

Assuming Ohtani is cleared, this will end the saga for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star designated hitter, and clear his name from being involved in sports gambling as an active MLB athlete. This will allow Ohtani to finally put his sole focus on baseball after he also had to deal with this off the field distraction to begin the year.

Thankfully, Ohtani has not let this distraction affect his on-field performance. So far this season, Ohtani has hit .338 with four home runs and 10 RBIs as the Dodgers have begun the season 11-7.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports