Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is heard impersonating Ohtani to try to get a $200,000 wire transfer approved from Ohtani's bank account in a recording obtained by The Athletic from the Department of Justice.

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in June, admitting to stealing almost $17 million from Ohtani as he amassed a large gambling debt while working as Ohtani's interpreter with the Angels and Dodgers. According to Mizuhara¡¯s plea agreement, he had placed approximately 24 phone calls in which he impersonated Ohtani.

In the audio recording, Mizuhara tells a bank agent over the phone that he is Ohtani.

"Who am I speaking with?" the agent says at the start of the recording.

"Shohei Ohtani," Mizuhara responds.

Later in the phone call, the bank agent sends a verification code to the contact number linked to the account, which appears to be Mizuhara's own cell phone. Mizuhara then tells the agent the money is for a car loan for "my friend," and that there could "possibly" be future wire transfers to the friend.

Mizuhara's sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6.

Federal prosecutors requested a 57-month sentence for Mizuhara on Thursday, as well as restitution to Ohtani and the IRS. Mizuhara asked for an 18-month sentence due to his gambling addiction and regret for his actions.