Shohei Ohtani is currently facing challenges, most notably the ongoing gambling scandal involving his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Despite these distractions, Ohtani has been exceptional for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 15 games, he has a .333 batting average with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts commended Ohtani for handling the situation well and expressed that it has not affected the team’s morale.
Despite the off-field distractions, Shohei Ohtani is hitting .333/.377/.635 with 3 HRs.#Dodgers | @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/vO9Gw0jOVQ
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) April 12, 2024
Ohtani’s performance is noteworthy considering he is returning from elbow surgery and is unable to pitch this season. Additionally, he signed a lucrative deal with the Dodgers.
The ongoing investigation and saga involving Mizuhara, who has been charged with felony bank fraud for allegedly stealing $16,000,000 from Ohtani’s bank account, add further pressure.
Regardless, Ohtani remains a crucial player for the Dodgers. According to ESPN, his statistics in the 2024 MLB season are impressive, with a .333 batting average, 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.012.
Despite off-field distractions, Ohtani’s performance remains remarkable, captivating fans and analysts with his versatility as both a pitcher and hitter.
Fans reacted as follows.
I can only imagine the heartbreak for Otani, who was betrayed by a trusted friend, but the fact that there was no loss of life or honor, and that the incident was discovered just after he had a wonderful wife to support him, shows how lucky he is.
It seems that God saved him from…— 【公式】真の国民の声〜📣📣💝😊 (@all_japan_voice) April 13, 2024
Ohtani said, "I don't want to use mentality as an excuse. I think it's a skill that includes mentality." in a recent interview.
and Ohtani already has one of his best starts thru 15 games as a hitter:https://t.co/wJft6FxM6C— shome4ever (@jJ45KSUQ3D128Xc) April 12, 2024
Influencers who determined that Otani gambled and made fun of him should take responsibility for the pain he caused and refrain from working for a year.
— 全日本人代表 (@myunmyun12345) April 12, 2024
when you play with a clear conscience with nothing to hide 🔥
— WorldBaseball ⚾⚾ (@Sho17800) April 12, 2024
The haters are livid pic.twitter.com/v6HhJ6TRiv
— dreeejen (@AndrewBees89614) April 12, 2024
What distractions he. should be feeling good that MLB and dodgers protected him by covering everything. Give Pete Rose Justice by reinstating him back .Nobody in their right mind believes their story
— Luis Cortez (@LuisC9240) April 12, 2024
