Major League Baseball acknowledged Friday that it has launched its own investigation into the messy Shohei Ohtani matter involving gambling and theft allegations against his longtime and now-former interpreter.

Capping a wild week in which it was reported that Ippei Mizuhara was accused by the two-way superstar’s lawyers of a “massive theft” after ESPN reported that at least $4.5 million in wire transfers were sent from Ohtani’s bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation that is under federal investigation.

“Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhari from the news media,” MLB said in its statement. “Earlier today, our Department of Investigations [DOI] began their formal process investigating the matter.”

The MLB announcement came on the day Ohtani was photographed landing in Los Angeles with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after the $700 million free-agent signing played in his first two games with the Dodgers earlier this week in Seoul, South Korea.

MLB is launching an investigation into the allegations made against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter.AFP via Getty Images

ESPN released a timeline Friday of its extensive reporting on the matter, including a transcript of a phone conversation one of its investigative reporters held this week with Mizuhara.
Most of his answers were cagey or evasive, although he admitted to lying in previous statements, now insisting that Ohtani had no knowledge of his gambling issues, extensive debts or attempts to repay them.

“Obviously, this is all my fault, everything I’ve done. I’m ready to face all the consequences,” he told ESPN, adding he was advised not to comment about whether he has been accused of “theft or embezzlement.”

Ohtani’s lawyers have alleged that the superstar was the victim of a “massive theft.”USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Asked then when Ohtani became aware of the situation, Mizuhara added, they told me I can’t answer anything.”

He also replied no when asked if Ohtani’s representatives are repping him and whether he is taking “any form of payment” or “made any kind of agreement” to make these latest statements.

He also denied ever betting on baseball, but answered affirmatively when asked if he lied to Ohtani.

According to ESPN, Mizuhara also was asked “if he has ever purposely misinformed Ohtani while interpreting the issues the reporter is asking about,” and he replied, “No, I have never done that.”

Mizhuhara (right) has been Ohtani’s interpreter with both the Angels and Dodgers.JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The reporters later attempted to text Mizuhara with an additional query if “you take the money from Shohei’s accounts without his knowledge.”

But Mizuhara never responded.

The Dodgers fired him this week after the first game of the season.