Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is optimistic Shohei Ohtani will become closer with his teammates in the absence of former interpreter and constant companion Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani and Mizuhara were practically inseparable at Angel Stadium during his six years with the Angels, and they spent ample time together away from the ballpark. The changes caused by Mizuhara’s firing amid allegations of gambling and theft could be jarring to a baseball star who thrives on routine. But Roberts says he has already seen Ohtani engaging more openly with his teammates in the past few days without Mizuhara around to help.