Dave Roberts Thinks Shohei Ohtani Translator Firing Is Good For Him
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates hitting a RBI single in the 8th inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 20, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is liking what he's been seeing from Shohei Ohtani since the dismissal of his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Asked by reporters about whether or not he was concerned that the Japanese-born superstar would no longer have one of his closest friends around, Roberts said (via ESPN.com):
"Actually, I would argue that it's going to help relationships internally, because there's no longer a buffer. I've already seen it. The last couple days, I think Shohei's been even more engaging with his teammates, and I think there's only upside with that."
Mizuhara came to the States with Ohtani back in 2018 and quickly became the two-way slugger's right-hand man. However after it was found that Mizuhara had allegedly wired more than $4.5 million from Ohtani's account to place bets, he was fired by the team.
The matter is still under federal investigation and Mizuhara has since been replaced by Will Ireton in the interim who helped translate for RHP Kenta Maeda during his time in LA.
Mizuhara had served as a key bridge between Ohtani and the Dodgers management and coaching staff. But by all accounts the 29-year-old's English has been steadily improving since coming to the U.S.
"I think he's very capable," Roberts said. "He's been around long enough. It's just naturally going to happen, but if he needs assistance or support, he has it."
Ohtani will make his Dodgers debut Thursday vs. the Cardinals at home.
