DAVE ROBERTS SEES BENEFIT IN DEPARTURE BY SHOHEI OHTANI'S INTERPRETER

Shohei Ohtani is in his first season as a Los Angeles Dodger, and he'll have to go the rest of the way without interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. 

Mizuhara was fired by the team last week after controversy surrounding multi-million dollar wire transfers made from Ohtani's account to a bookmaking operation.

Mizuhara served as a liason between Ohtani and the rest of the team, and manager Dave Roberts believes they've seen a different side of their new star with his interpreter now out of the picture.

"I would argue that it's going to help relationships internally, because there's no longer a buffer," Roberts said Tuesday before the Dodgers' final Spring Training game.

"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."

Ohtani attempted to set the record straight regarding his involvement with Mizuhara on Monday, informing the media that his former translator's recollection of events surrounding his finances were "a complete lie."

The team will use its manager of performance operations Will Ireton as Ohtani's interpreter on an interim basis. 

Ireton was brought into the organization as an interpreter for ex-Dodger Kenta Maeda, and he has assisted others on the team since Maeda's departure.

"I think he's very capable," Roberts said about Ohtani and his ability to communicate with his teammates and coaches effectively without Mizuhara

"He's been around long enough. It's just naturally going to happen, but if he needs assistance or support, he has it." 

The Dodgers began the regular season last week by splitting a pair of games with the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea.

They'll continue their 2024 campaign by starting a series with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday as the rest of MLB opens the year.

2024-03-27T21:20:46Z dg43tfdfdgfd