In the clubhouse of Nationals Park, Shohei Ohtani sat alone for a moment, watching a baseball game on TV. The departure of his longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who faced accusations of embezzlement, has left Ohtani more accessible, according to Dodgers officials.
Despite the turmoil, Ohtani’s performance on the field remains stellar, batting .371 with a formidable on-base plus slugging percentage. When asked about Mizuhara’s betrayal, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the support from teammates and staff, preferring not to delve into specifics.
Ohtani, however, remains discreet about the individuals he’s turned to during this challenging time. He acknowledges the team’s assistance but aims to avoid distractions during the regular season. Although he doesn’t mention Mizuhara directly, Ohtani acknowledges the quality of his new interpreter while maintaining a focus on the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commends Ohtani’s commitment to improvement, noting his growing rapport with hitting coaches. Despite his remarkable talent, Ohtani continues to receive guidance from the coaching staff, particularly regarding hitting with runners in scoring position. Ohtani values these discussions, emphasizing their role in enhancing his performance. This proactive approach seemed to pay dividends in the recent game, where Ohtani delivered with two RBI doubles in crucial situations.
