The former interpreter for Major League Baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has asked a court to delay the sentencing for his bank and fraud charges.

Mizuhara Ippei admitted in June to have stolen nearly 17 million dollars from Ohtani's bank account and filed a false tax return.

His sentencing is scheduled for October 25. But a court document shows that his lawyer asked for a postponement to December 20.

The lawyer says Mizuhara is "seeking a forensic psychiatrist to evaluate him with respect to gambling and to prepare a report for the Court's review," and that this process cannot be completed by the current deadline.

His charges could carry a maximum punishment of 33 years in prison, but he is likely to receive a lighter sentence because he has reached a plea deal with prosecutors.