Shohei Ohtani’s life is set to change after his interpreter and constant companion, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired amid allegations of gambling and theft. The Los Angeles Dodgers believe that this upheaval could strengthen Ohtani’s connection with his teammates and the game. Manager Dave Roberts stated that removing the buffer might improve internal relations, and Ohtani has already shown more engagement with his teammates since Mizuhara’s departure. Ohtani and Mizuhara spent thousands of hours together at Angel Stadium over the years, with Mizuhara helping Ohtani communicate with coaches and players on various matters.
Ohtani has now returned to his old home ballpark in Anaheim without Mizuhara, with Will Ireton taking over as his interpreter. Although Ireton won’t be as inseparable from Ohtani as Mizuhara was, he has a strong background with the team and has worked with Japanese players such as Kenta Maeda in the past. Ohtani is now navigating life changes without his former interpreter and constant English-speaking connection, as he continues to adjust to the new dynamic. Ohtani is said to understand English well, but he may not always feel comfortable speaking it, as is common with second-language learners.
In addressing the situation with Mizuhara, Ohtani vehemently denied any involvement in sports betting or knowingly paying off gambling losses, claiming that Mizuhara stole the money to send to an illegal bookie. Players and coaches were pleased with Ohtani’s candid statement, and Roberts stated that the team is looking forward to moving forward while supporting Ohtani through this challenging time. With Ireton stepping into the role of interpreter, Roberts expressed gratitude for having a reliable member of the staff to take over for Mizuhara. Ireton, who has been with the team since 2016, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the role.
Ireton, the Dodgers’ manager of performance operations, has played a key role in the team’s game preparation and has previously assisted in the signing of Japanese players like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Roberts described Ireton as a “secret weapon” for the team, highlighting his selflessness and ability to handle multiple responsibilities. Ohtani’s adjustment to a new interpreter and his continued efforts to expand his English-speaking skills are ongoing, with Roberts expressing confidence that the slugger will surprise everyone with his English proficiency. The Dodgers are optimistic about the impact of these changes on Ohtani’s integration with the team and his growth both on and off the field.
