MLB's David Fletcher Allegedly Bet on Sports Using Same Bookmaker as Shohei Ohtani's Former Trainer

Atlanta Braves infielder David Fletcher reportedly placed bets through an illegal bookmaker, deepening the connection between the betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter and the baseball world.

Atlanta Braves infielder David Fletcher reportedly bet on sports using the same bookmaker as Shohei Ohtani's former trainer, Ippei Mizuhara, according to a bombshell report by ESPN on Friday night.

Fletcher, who played with Ohtani for the Los Angeles Angels from 2018 to 2023, reportedly made bets through bookie Matthew Bowyer but never bet on baseball, as per the report. However, his friend Colby Schultz, who played in the Kansas City Royals' organization from 2018 to 2020, reportedly placed bets on baseball games, including Angels games during Fletcher's tenure.

MLB, the Braves, Fletcher, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California declined to comment on the matter, according to ESPN. Schultz did not immediately respond to a message from Fox News Digital.

Fletcher had previously described himself and Ohtani as "good friends" in March 2023. The connection between Fletcher and the betting scandal further complicates the situation, as Ohtani was caught up in a separate betting scandal earlier this season.

Mizuhara, Ohtani's former interpreter, was charged with stealing nearly $17 million from the star baseball player's bank account to pay off debts. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday.

MLB players and employees are allowed to bet on sports other than baseball, but those who place wagers through illegal bookmakers could face punishment from the commissioner's office. Players who bet on baseball games they didn't play in could face a year-long suspension, while those who bet on games they did play in could be permanently banned from the sport.

Fletcher, who was optioned to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate this season, has not yet commented on the allegations. The Braves organization has not announced any disciplinary actions related to the matter.

The reported connection between Fletcher and the betting scandal involving Mizuhara raises further questions about the extent of illegal gambling within the baseball world. Major League Baseball and its players' union have implemented strict policies against gambling, but it remains a challenge to fully prevent players from betting on sports.

The scandal involving Fletcher and Mizuhara has also highlighted the potential consequences of players placing bets through illegal bookmakers. The penalties for doing so can be severe, including permanent bans from the sport.

The Fletcher-Mizuhara connection marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into illegal gambling within MLB. It remains to be seen how the league will respond to these allegations and what further consequences may arise.