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While the Dodgers captured a 5-2 win over the Padres in Seoul on Wednesday, that was far from the biggest story in “The City of Angels.”

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reported that Shohei Ohtani‘s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of “engaging in a ‘massive theft’ of the ballplayer’s funds to place bets with an allegedly illegal bookmaker who is the target of a federal investigation.” The accusation comes from Ohtani’s representatives, who did so after finding out that Ohtani’s name came up in said investigation, reportedly involving millions of dollars.

According to Tisha Thompson of ESPN, Mizuhara asked Ohtani to pay off nearly $4.5 million in gambling debt, which he did and Mizuhara promised to never do again. After the news came out, Ohtani’s now-fired interpreter commented:

“I want everyone to know Shohei had zero involvement in betting. I want people to know I did not know this was illegal. I learned my lesson the hard way. I will never do sports betting ever again.”

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Christian Scott had an impressive four-inning outing in the Mets’ 6-3 spring training win against the Miami Marlins. Click here for the game recap. 

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Tylor Megill will be in the starting rotation to begin the season. Click here for more information on the decision. 

Edwin Díaz said he will pitch back-to-back days (Wednesday and Thursday) in one of his biggest hurdles since his knee injury, per Andre Tredinnick of North Jersey.com. He threw 21 pitches while recording two outs on Wednesday. 

Latest MLB News

The Dodgers kicked off the MLB season with a 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in the first of two games in the Seoul Series in South Korea.

The Texas Rangers and RHP Michael Lorenzen came to an agreement on a one-year,$4.5 million deal, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal includes $2.5 million in incentives and could max out at $7 million.

The New York Yankees and lefty free agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery are reportedly back in talks, per Jon Heyman of the NY Post

The Blue Jays traded infielder Santiago Espinal to the Cincinnati Reds and received RHP Chris McElvain in return, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network

Cincinnati Reds top prospect Edwin Arroyo is going to miss the 2024 season as he will be having surgery for his torn labrum, per Charlie Goldsmith of Enquirer

MLBPA’s power struggle will likely come down to a vote on MLBPA executive director Tony Clark, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

Latest on MMO

Francisco Álvarez continues to gun runners out in spring training. 

Brett Baty hitting his groove as spring training closes.

Tylor Megill earns final starting rotation spot

On This Date in Mets History

2013: David Wright is named as the fourth captain in New York Mets franchise history. He joined Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, and John Franco as the only Mets to receive the honor.

Birthdays: Anthony Kay (29), Jimmy Yacabonis (32), Bobby Wahl (32), Carlos Carrasco (37), Shawon Dunston (61)