Shohei Ohtani Confronts Gambling Scandal Ahead of Dodgers Pitching Return

Shohei Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Begins Prison Sentence Ahead of Dodgers Star’s Pitching Return
By Eric Blum | Updated: 01:02 BST, 17 June 2025

[Insert Image 1: Ippei Mizuhara in court, source: DailyMail.com]

Disgraced former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has reported to Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood Low, a low-security prison in rural Pennsylvania, to serve a 57-month sentence for stealing $17 million from MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. The news comes hours before Ohtani’s highly anticipated return to the mound on June 17, his first pitching start since August 2023.

Mizuhara, 40, pleaded guilty last June to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after funneling millions from Ohtani’s accounts to an illegal bookmaker. Prosecutors revealed he placed over 19,000 bets in a two-year span, amassing $40 million in gambling debts. His sentence, delayed from March for undisclosed reasons, may also lead to deportation following incarceration.

[Insert Image 2: Shohei Ohtani pitching in a Dodgers uniform, source: Getty Images]

Ohtani, unaware of the theft until March 2024, has cooperated fully with investigators. The dual-threat phenom, now 30, has focused solely on hitting since his September 2023 elbow surgery. In 2024, he became MLB’s first 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base player. This season, he’s already blasted 25 homers in 70 games alongside 28 steals.

Mizuhara’s bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to operating an illegal gambling ring, money laundering, and tax fraud. Meanwhile, Ohtani prepares to face the San Diego Padres’ potent lineup in his pitching comeback.

[Insert Image 3: Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood Low exterior, source: DailyMail.com]

The case highlights baseball’s ongoing battle with gambling ties. MLB cleared Ohtani of wrongdoing, citing him as a victim. As Mizuhara begins his sentence, fans worldwide will watch tonight to see if Ohtani’s arm matches the dominance of his bat.

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