center fielder looked uninspired as the franchise honored former teammate in an exhibition game against the , according to the perspective of many fans on social media. A surfaced online showing Angel fans giving Ohtani a standing ovation at the top of the first inning as the organization paid tribute to the Japanese superstar winning the AL MVP as a member of the team last season. Ohtani spent all previous six years with the Angels before . The Angels played a video package during Ohtani's at-bat as he took his helmet off and bowed to the crowd. Cameras then panned to Trout, who some
baseball fans online accused of looking unbothered by the celebration during the Spring Training matchup. In response to Ohtani's MVP honor,
Social Media users offered varied reactions to Trout's response during the exhibition game. Some fans dismissed the significance, labeling it as mere spring training, which caused Trout's lack of emotion. Others criticized the franchise's praise of Ohtani, highlighting the Angels playoff drought, a key component of his leaving the team. Overall, the responses ranged from playful banter, knowing that Trout and Ohtani have appeared friendly over the years, to pointed critique, capturing the diverse perspectives among fans. The Angels defeated the Dodgers 4-3, with Ohtani going hitless and Trouth scoring a run after being walked. Ohtani made headlines before the game for in a unique press conference. The Dodgers two-way superstar accused his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, of stealing $4.5 million from his bank account to pay off gambling debts. Initially, Mizuhara told
ESPN that , but later, he retracted his statement. Ohtani said that he has never agreed to pay off any debts or made any payments to sports bookmakers. "I'm very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this. I never bet on baseball or any other sports. I have never asked someone to do that on my behalf," he said . "I never went through a bookmaker. Up until a couple days ago, I didn't know this was happening," he continued. "Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies." Mizuhara declared that his reported betting wagers mainly focused on college
Football,
basketball, football, and soccer, and he never bet on baseball. While players and personnel can participate in sports betting activities unrelated to baseball, these bets must be made through authorized sportsbooks. The Dodgers will next compete against the in a three-game series beginning on March 28. Ohtani is hitting .300 this season, with 2 RBI in two games.