The Los Angeles Dodgers fired Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter recently, and manager Dave Roberts seems to think the move could improve the relationship between Ohtani and the team.
Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers over an allegation that he stole millions of dollars from Ohtani to cover a gambling debt. In addition to being his interpreter, Mizuhara was also Ohtani’s close friend.
On Tuesday, Roberts told reporters that he believes Mizuhara’s dismissal will help remove a “buffer” that exists between Ohtani and the Dodgers. Roberts felt it was “difficult” at times to communicate with Ohtani through Mizuhara.