Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently investigating former Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher, according to a recent report from ESPN. The investigation was initiated on Monday and alleges that Fletcher engaged in gambling activities with an illegal bookmaker during his time with the Angels.

The report states that Fletcher placed bets on various sports with Matthew Bowyer, who is the same Orange County bookmaker involved in taking bets from Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. It is noteworthy that Fletcher did not wager on baseball games. If found guilty, Fletcher could potentially face a fine as a consequence of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Mizuhara, who was charged in a separate case, pleaded not guilty on Friday, primarily as a formality. Interestingly, on the same day, it was revealed that Fletcher had also placed bets with Bowyer. The investigation progresses, but Fletcher has not yet been suspended pending further updates.

Fletcher, 29, played alongside Ohtani from 2018 until 2023 before signing with the Atlanta Braves in December 2023, ahead of the 2024 season. Currently, he is on the roster of the Braves' Triple-A affiliate, a significant distance from his hometown of Orange County.

Born in Orange, Fletcher attended Cypress High School and later played college baseball at Loyola Marymount University, attracting attention from several MLB scouts. He gradually climbed the ranks of Minor League Baseball and finally made his MLB debut with the Angels on June 13, 2018, playing in 82 games that season and registering three hits in his first game.

Fletcher's standout season came in 2020 when he recorded an impressive. 319 batting average, a. 376 on-base percentage, and a. 425 slugging percentage. Despite the shortened season due to the pandemic, he managed to accumulate 66 hits, 31 runs, 18 RBIs, and two stolen bases.

MLB investigators are planning to interview Fletcher regarding the allegations, although it remains uncertain whether he will cooperate fully with the investigation. In March, it was uncovered that Fletcher was present at a poker game where Mizuhara and Bowyer first met.

As Fletcher's 30th birthday approaches on May 31, no official announcement has been made regarding a potential suspension during the ongoing investigation. MLB will continue its efforts to gather information and weigh the consequences accordingly.