Why did MLB open investigation on David Fletcher? Exploring Shohei Ohtani's Angels teammate's connection to gambling

The MLB has opened an investigation into former Los Angeles Angels star David Fletcher. The infielder was involved with sports gambling, though he allegedly never placed a bet on baseball. The investigation was just officially launched, but the league is concerned on how and where they will get their evidence in this case.

Per ESPN, the league is looking for some help in finding any information, including from the government. This is so that they can cut down on sports gambling by players, which is already illegal:

"Government cooperation will be crucial in a case like this where we don't have evidence," a source said.

This does connect directly to the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal, though the player himself was cleared of any illegal gambling. The connection goes further than the two being former teammates as well.

David Fletcher allegedly posted his bets with bookie Matthew Bowyer. This was the same bookie that Ohtani's interpreter Ippei Mizuhara placed his bets with. Colby Schultz, a former minor leaguer with the Kansas City Royals, also placed bets alongside Fletcher.

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David Fletcher declines to comment on gambling controversy

Per the ESPN report, the Atlanta Braves, Fletcher's current team, declined to comment on the matter. The player also declined multiple requests to speak, and Schultz could not be reached.

David Fletcher did not speak on his controversy

MLB investigators will attempt to speak with Fletcher at some point during their investigation, but he is not bound to agree to any interview. If he can claim to be under criminal investigation, then he would not have to speak with them.

The MLB rulebook states that players betting with illegal bookmakers are subject to punishment that will be up to the commissioner, so Fletcher's punishment isn't set.

Any MLB player who bets on baseball games in which he did not participate will be banned for one full year. If the betting was on his own games, then the ban is permanent and life-long. This is similar to the punishment that Pete Rose was given.

It is worth noting that while this does have a connection to Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger did not gamble himself nor is he being punished for anything on the matter.