“Hope Sho is good,” Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani’s ex-Angels teammates WORRIED as MLB investigates Ippei Mizuhara’s betting case

LA Dodgers and Angels comment on gambling accusations surrounding Ippei Mizuhara as Shohei Ohtani preps for media talk on Monday.

Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts [Image Credit: Imago]

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts recently commented on Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara’s betting case. Ohtani found himself being swept in the alleged gambling accusations as MLB launched an investigation on Friday. Betts seemingly worried about Ohtani commented, “I hope Sho is good”, as per Jack Harris of LA Times.

However, he’s not the only one to check on Ohtani following the news break on Mizuhara’s case. ‘Shotime’s ex-Los Angeles Angels teammates commented on the ongoing situation stating they are still in disbelief. Outfielder Mickey Moniak said, he’s “shocked as anyone” and never thought “that would lead to that”, as the baseball community awaits more updates on the news.

Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval found the situation pretty “weird” as he said, “That’s all I can really say about it. Really weird.” Ohtani’s former teammates loved Ippei Mizuhara as Mike Trout once labeled him “one of the guys”. During the Dodgers and Angels faceoff, Trout was seen warmly hugging Ohtani as both chatted for brief a moment.

Many were still in disbelief that the league is investigating Mizuhara on the betting allegations. As per reports, Mizuhara did not bet on baseball but on other sports through an illegal bookmaker. Several speculations were also made stating, that Ohtani was aware or may have been involved in the case, but there’s no proof regarding that.

The team initially claimed that Ohtani covered his former interpreter’s gambling debts, but later referred to him as a victim of “massive theft.” Several questions swirl around the gambling allegations, but the Dodgers star has yet to make an official announcement. However, fans will have some, if not all, questions answered on Monday, as Ohtani will be present for a press conference related to these incidents.

Shohei Ohtani to speak to media regarding Ippei Mizuhara’s betting case

Shohei Ohtani is reported to appear to the media on Monday. It’ll be the first time he’ll appear to the public to speak regarding the ongoing Ippei Mizuhara betting scandal. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani himself wanted to do so, as it’ll offer more clarity on the situation. The team fired Mizuhara last week when they played in Seoul against San Deigo Padres.
Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Imago]
Currently, Will Ireton, the team’s performance operation manager has taken over the interpreter role for Ohtani. He also took the role during Kenta Maeda’s time with the Dodgers. Roberts noted on Ohtani’s media appearance,

I’m happy he’s going to speak…what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation.

Dave Roberts on Shohei Ohtani.

He further said Ohtani’s “kind of business as usual”. The 2x AL-MVP is scheduled to play in LA on Monday and Tuesday against Anaheim. Roberts said Ohtani did not address the issue with the team as a whole but had one-on-one conversations with the players. Fans are hoping to get more clarity on the betting case following Monday’s media appearance.