Shohei Ohtani hit with huge news over gambling scandal hours before return to the mound with LA Dodgers

Good news has arrived for Shohei Ohtani ahead of his highly anticipated return to the mound – his first pitching appearance since 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ two-way sensation hasn’t thrown a single pitch in nearly two years, due to a prolonged recovery from elbow surgery.

Though he was unable to pitch, Ohtani still had a historic 2024 season from the batter’s box. The Japanese phenom, now 30 years old, made history by becoming the sole member of the exclusive 50-50 club, recording 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season – a feat never before accomplished in Major League Baseball.

Legal Chapter Closes for Former Interpreter

As Ohtani prepares for his pitching comeback, another chapter of his recent past has come to a close. His former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who embezzled $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts to finance an illegal gambling habit, has now surrendered to federal authorities.

Mizuhara reported to Allenwood Low Federal Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania to begin serving his 57-month sentence. He was terminated by the Dodgers earlier this year when investigations revealed he had made unauthorized transfers from Ohtani’s accounts to fund high-stakes wagers.

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Court records showed he placed more than 19,000 bets over a two-year period, accumulating a debt of $40 million.

Mizuhara, Deportation and Further Legal Proceedings

Mizuhara’s legal team has acknowledged the likelihood of deportation following his prison term, given the seriousness of the charges. He was initially expected to report to prison in March, but failed to do so for unknown reasons.

Meanwhile, Matthew Bowyer, the illegal bookmaker connected to Mizuhara, has also pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed gambling operation, money laundering, and filing false tax documents, and is set to face legal consequences of his own.

Ohtani’s Return to the Mound Against the Padres

As for Ohtani, his return to pitching will come in a high-stakes matchup against the San Diego Padres. While the focus is on how his surgically repaired elbow will respond, another concern looms: rust. After nearly two years away from the mound, Ohtani faces a dangerous Padres lineup known for its offensive firepower.

Still, there’s plenty of optimism. Through 70 games played this season, Ohtani has already hit 25 home runs, reinforcing his status as one of the most dominant forces in the MLB. While matching the historic benchmarks of his 2024 season may be difficult, his current numbers continue to speak for themselves.

Shohei Ohtani is not just returning to the mound – he’s writing the next chapter of a remarkable and resilient legacy.