Shohei Ohtani could be more open with teammates without 'buffer' Mizuhara, Dodgers manager says
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is optimistic Shohei Ohtani will become closer with his teammates in the absence of former interpreter and constant companion Ippei Mizuhara
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani's life will be fundamentally different in the coming weeks and months without Ippei Mizuhara, his interpreter and constant companion ever since he moved to the majors from Japan.
Although the changes caused by Mizuhara's firing amid allegations of gambling and theft could be jarring to a baseball star who thrives on routine, the Los Angeles Dodgers are optimistic the upheaval could have a positive impact on Ohtani's connection with his teammates and the game.
“Actually, I would argue that it’s going to help relations internally,” manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday before the Dodgers' final exhibition game. “Because there’s no longer a buffer. I think that I’ve already seen it the last couple of days. I think Shohei has been even more engaging with his teammates, and I think there’s only upside with that.”
Ohtani spent thousands of hours at Angel Stadium over the previous six years with Mizuhara, who helped Ohtani to communicate with the Angels' coaches and players on everything from strategic advice and rehabilitation plans to video game trash-talk.
