Shohei Ohtani‘s long-awaited return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been nothing short of extraordinary.
On June 16, 2025, the two-way superstar made his first start on the mound in nearly two years, following a second Tommy John surgery that had kept him sidelined from pitching duties since 2023.
His performance was electric-his fastball reached 102 mph, and he even added a two-run double at the plate, giving fans a strong reminder of why he’s one of the most unique talents in baseball history.
But while Ohtani was dazzling under the lights in a Dodgers uniform once again, an unsettling footnote to his story played out far from the ballpark. On the same day Ohtani made his pitching comeback, his former interpreter and close associate, Ippei Mizuhara, officially began serving a five-year sentence in federal prison.
Mizuhara had been sentenced to 57 months behind bars for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off illegal gambling debts.
According to TMZ, Mizuhara had access to the broadcast of Ohtani‘s return while incarcerated. Despite the staggering betrayal and legal fallout, the former interpreter-once a trusted confidant-remained engaged with Ohtani‘s career, if only from behind bars.
A triumphant return overshadowed by legal scandal
Ohtani‘s return marks a pivotal moment not just in his career, but in the broader landscape of Major League Baseball.
Following his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, expectations for the 29-year-old phenom have been sky-high. While he never ceased to contribute as a hitter, many wondered whether he could return to dominance on the mound. Monday’s performance against the Padres silenced those doubts-for now.
Still, the memory of the scandal involving Mizuhara looms large. The interpreter was more than just a translator; he was deeply embedded in Ohtani‘s daily life, often acting as a bridge between the star and the American baseball media, fans, and team staff.
The betrayal stunned not only the baseball world but also Ohtani‘s personal circle. The Department of Justice confirmed that Mizuhara exploited that closeness, using his access to Ohtani’s finances to fuel a gambling addiction over several years.
Despite the controversy, Ohtani has handled the situation with remarkable professionalism, choosing not to speak publicly about the details of the case. Instead, he’s let his performance on the field speak volumes.
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