David Fletcher likely to be investigated by MLB for gambling ties, per report

Infielder David Fletcher might be hearing from Major League Baseball investigators soon according to a report by ESPN’s Tisha Thompson. Fletcher, who is currently playing at Triple A Gwinnett, has been described as one of Shohei Ohtani’s closest friends.

The report states that Fletcher placed bets with a bookmaking operation operated by Mathew Bowyer. Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara also placed bets with Bowyer. Mizuhara has been charged with stealing a significant amount of money from Ohtani. Also stated in the report is that Fletcher’s friend Colby Schultz placed bets on baseball, including games that Fletcher played in while with the Angels.

The report cites multiple sources that state Fletcher bet on several different sports but not on baseball. MLB players are allowed to bet on other sports, but not with illegal bookmakers. That is the part that is likely to get Fletcher investigated by the league.

Fletcher was traded to the Braves in December. He is under contract through 2025 and his deal includes a pair of club options for 2026 and 2027. He’s been outrighted off the 40-man roster twice already. He appeared in five games while Ozzie Albies was out with a fractured toe and went 2-for-8 at the plate. The Braves traded Luis Guillorme to the Angels last week and for a moment, that move appeared to open a spot on the roster for Fletcher. However, Atlanta acquired Zack Short later that day from the Red Sox and added him to the active roster instead.

Fletcher has appeared in 28 games at Gwinnett and has a 58 wRC+ in 124 plate appearances.