Braves News: David Fletcher's legal issues due to Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal cloud Atlanta's 3B plans after Austin Riley injury

As the saga involving Shohei Ohtani's former translater, Ippei Mizuhara drags on, more is becoming known about the illicit gambling activities of sports stars. Recently, a new name has become embroiled in baseball's biggest scandal right now.

Earlier this month, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud. Mizuhara, a longtime translator and personal friend of 2023 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, was found to have taken millions from the Dodgers star to pay off debts incurred with illegal California bookmaker Matthew Bowyer.

"Former Angels infielder David Fletcher bet on sports with the same Southern California bookmaker as Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, per @TishaESPN"

Now, new information obtained by ESPN has linked infielder David Fletcher with Bowyer. Fletcher played with Ohtani on the Los Angeles Angels from 2018 until 2023, and the pair have been described as friends. Though sources claimed that Fletcher himself did not bet on baseball, the same sources claimed that Fletcher's close friend and former Royals prospect Colby Schultz bet on MLB games that Fletcher was playing in during his time with the Angels.

While MLB players are allowed to bet on sports, there is a strict rule against betting on baseball. Moreover, Bowyer's operations were illegal, as sports gambling is not legal in California. ESPN also claims that they expect MLB to announce an investigation into Fletcher's dealings with both Matthew Bowyer and Colby Schultz soon.

"Anyone else remember how crazy David Fletcher's first home run was? 2018 baseballs were wild. #GoHalos" - Shortest Stop

Though he signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves last year, Fletcher has spent all of 2024 playing in Triple-A Gwinnett. Now, with third baseman Austin Riley set to take a few days off with torso inflammation, many believe that the imminent investigation will thwart Fletcher's promotion to MLB.

David Fletcher's relationship with Ohtani raises some eyebrows

Despite the fact that Ohtani now plays on the Los Angeles Dodgers, the pair's long-term friendship is sure to attract attention given the situation with Mizuhara. Last March, Fletcher told ESPN about his friendship with the Japanese superstar:

"We're good friends. We would talk on the bus and at the hotel."

Having only played in less than 100 games since 2022, Fletcher was indeed hopeful for a break. Now, it appears as though his past misteps might spell disaster for a player who is trying to remain relevant in a league that is constantly changing.