Manfred hopes for short investigation into Ohtani

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says he hopes the sport’s gambling investigation of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will be short but he isn’t sure.

MLB announced its investigation Friday after the Dodgers fired Ohtani’s interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well over $1 million. Ohtani said Monday he never bet on sports or knowingly paid any gambling debts accumulated by Mizuhara.

“Given the way the story unfolded, it’s important in terms of assuring our fans about the integrity of the game that we verify the things that Mr. Ohtani has said, and it’s really that simple,” Manfred said Thursday on the MLB Network.

The IRS has confirmed that Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation.

Rays’ Franco out on leave through June 1

Tampa Bay All-star shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave through June 1 under an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association while the investigation continues into an alleged relationship with a minor.

Administrative leave is not disciplinary under the sport’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, and a player continues to be paid.

Franco, who has a $2 million salary this year, has remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities there investigate and he did not report to spring training.

Rangers’ Scherzer opens season on IL

The Texas Rangers placed righthanded pitchers Max Scherzer (rehab from back surgery) and Michael Lorenzen (right neck strain) on the 15-day injured list ahead of Thursday’s opening day game vs. the Chicago Cubs and added first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (right oblique strain) onto the 10-day injured list.

Odds and ends

New York Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole was placed on the 60-day injured list with right elbow inflammation ahead of Thursday’s opener against the Houston Astros. … Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano and reliever Erik Swanson will start the season on the injured list and are expected to be joined by starting pitcher Alex Manoah. … Oakland outfielder Miguel Andújar had surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, an operation that usually requires a month of rehabilitation. … Pitcher Stephen Strasburg was put on the 60-day injured list by the Washington Nationals ahead of Thursday’s opener at Cincinnati.