Dodgers Replace Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter With Familiar Voice

It isn't the first time he's intepreted for a Japanese player on the team.

The Dodgers didn't waste time replacing Shohei Ohtani's disgraced interpeter.

Will Ireton, who's worked for the team in a variety of capacities since serving as Kenta Maeda's original interpreter with the Dodgers, will succeed Ippei Mizuhara for now, manager Dave Roberts told reports Thursday in Seoul.

Will Ireton, the Dodgers current Manager of Performance Operations, will take over as Shohei Ohtani's translator following the firing of Ohtani's longtime translator Ippei Mizuhara. Ireton was previously Kenta Maeda's translator during his time with the Dodgers.

— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 21, 2024

Mizuhara was fired after multiple reports Wednesday connected him to an illegal sports gambling operation. He admitted to ESPN asking Ohtani to pay off an alleged $4.5 million in debts. The Dodgers declined to comment on the reports beyond a statement issued by the team.

“The Dodgers are aware of media reports and are gathering information," the statement read. "The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated. The team has no further comment at this time.”

Roberts attempted to downplay the controversy in his pregame remarks with reporters Thursday in Seoul. 

"Shohei's ready," Roberts said. "I know that he's preparing in a hitter's meeting right now and ready to go for tonight's game."

The manager did not elaborate on the substance of Mizuhara's remarks to the team after Wednesday's game, a 5-2 Dodgers win.

In Ireton, the Dodgers have a familiar face who is fluent in Japanese and English, and has experience interpreting for Maeda from 2016-18.

Since then, Ireton has held various titles with the organization: development coach, coordinator of performance operations, and manager of performance operations – a title he's held since Nov. 2021.