Shohei Ohtani 'Grateful' for Dodgers for Showing Support Amid Ippei Mizuhara Probe

Shohei Ohtani expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Los Angeles Dodgers amid the ongoing investigation into gambling allegations surrounding his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

"The investigation is currently still going on, so I can't really say much about that," Ohtani said through an interpreter on Wednesday, per Andy McCullough of The Athletic. "But it made me really realize how supportive the teammates, the organization, the staff have been towards me. It's just allowed me to really reflect on how grateful I am to be surrounded by them."

McCullough noted Ohtani largely deferred on questions about Mizuhara and didn't even want to highlight specific members of the Dodgers who have helped him since joining the team.

"I do want to avoid mentioning specific names," Ohtani said. "Obviously, I don't mind the team mentioning that. Obviously, right now, it's the middle of the regular season. I don't want to create some kind of distraction."

Earlier this month, Holly Yan and Cindy Von Quednow of CNN reported Mizuhara turned himself into authorities for allegedly stealing $16 million from the Dodgers star to help fund his gambling habits.

Mizuhara was released on $25,000 bond and ordered to receive gambling addiction treatment. He was also forced to surrender his passport.

Prosecutors also said at the time that Ohtani was considered a victim in the case.

Mizuhara could face up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted on the federal charge of bank fraud after allegedly accessing Ohtani's account online and impersonating the two-time American League MVP during calls to the bank. He allegedly made approximately 19,000 wagers and was left with a net balance of more than negative $40 million.

His arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 9.

Ohtani released a statement at the time and said he was "very grateful for the Department of Justice's investigation" and would "like to focus on baseball."

The three-time All-Star signed a 10-year deal with the Dodgers this offseason and has appeared in 25 games. He is a two-way player who pitches and hits, although he is not pitching this season as he recovers from elbow surgery.

Ohtani is slashing .364/.430/.677 with six home runs, 14 RBI and five stolen bases this season.