TEMPE, Ariz. — The bombshell story about Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter came as a surprise to those in the Angels clubhouse.
The Angels, who had an off day Thursday, reconvened as a group Friday morning for the first time since the news broke Wednesday afternoon about Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara being connected to a federal investigation involving sports gambling.
Mizuhara initially told ESPN that Ohtani paid $4.5 million to cover his gambling losses, and then the story changed and Ohtani’s representatives claimed Mizuhara stole the money.
“Shocked as anyone,” Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak said. “Definitely had no inclination and information that would lead to that. Definitely shocked.”
Other players who had been with the Angels during all or parts of Ohtani’s six years with the team either said they were surprised or declined to comment entirely.
“Weird,” said left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who had spent as much time with Ohtani as anyone over parts of the previous five seasons. “That’s all I can really say about it. Really weird.”
While players did not want to go on the record, speaking privately there was a consensus that Ohtani did not seem to show interest in other sports. That would seem to support Mizuhara’s assertion that he was betting for himself, rather than placing bets for Ohtani. Mizuhara reportedly also said that none of the bets were on baseball.
ROSTER NEWS
The Angels sent down infielder Livan Soto and right-hander Ben Joyce, two players who had been in the running for spots on the Opening Day roster.
The move with Soto leaves infielders Miguel Sanó and Ehire Adrianza in the running for the final position player roster spot.
It is possible that the Angels could keep both players if first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who has been out with back tightness, is not ready. Schanuel was set to do some baseball activity Friday, and manager Ron Washington said he might be able to play Saturday if that went…
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