Report: MLB investigating David Fletcher, former Shohei Ohtani teammate, for placing illegal bets

Major League Baseball has reportedly opened an investigation into a former Los Angeles Angels teammate of Shohei Ohtani's for allegations that the teammate placed bets with an illegal bookmaker — the same one linked to Ohtani's long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

According to ESPN, the league is trying to gather evidence to corroborate the allegations that David Fletcher, who was Ohtani's teammate for six seasons from 2018-2023 and is now playing for the Gwinnett Stripers, the Atlanta Braves Triple-A affiliate, placed bets with Southern California bookmaker Matthew Bowyer.

This follows the initial ESPN report, which first revealed that Fletcher, 29, had allegedly placed the wagers with Bowyer.

According to ESPN, a close friend of Fletcher's, former minor leaguer Colby Schultz, also placed bets with Bowyer. ESPN reported that Schultz placed bets on baseball games, including Angels games that Fletcher played in during his time with the team.

Citing an anonymous source, ESPN reported that the MLB investigation could depend on cooperation from law enforcement. The outlet also reported that Fletcher is expected to be interviewed as part of the MLB investigation.

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Fletcher told ESPN in a March interview that he never placed a bet himself with Bowyer's organization.

Fletcher has eight at-bats this season for the Braves and has recorded a pair of hits and two RBI. He is hitting .244 in 31 games for the Stripers, with 16 RBI. He has also made several relief pitching appearances for the Stripers.

According to ESPN, Fletcher could continue to play for the team while MLB conducts its investigation.

Mizuhara pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles federal court Tuesday, but his attorney reiterated to a judge that Mizuhara has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Federal authorities say that Mizuhara, allegedly stole $17 million from Ohtani to fuel a gambling addiction. Mizuhara is accused of felony bank fraud and could face more than three decades in prison when he is sentenced.

Contributing: Scooby Axson