Yoshinobu Yamamoto is ready to shine as he takes the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ opening day game in Japan. This highly anticipated matchup against the Chicago Cubs marks a significant moment in his career.
The right-hander’s initial outing in the 2024 Major League Baseball season was less than ideal.
After a challenging debut in South Korea, where he surrendered five runs in a single inning against the San Diego Padres, Yamamoto demonstrated remarkable resilience. He rebounded strongly, playing a vital role in leading his team to a World Series championship over the New York Yankees.
Now, just one season later, he is poised to emerge as a star.
This season, Yamamoto is positioning himself as a potential ace for the Dodgers, taking the mound at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday at 6:10 a.m. ET, broadcasted live on FOX.
Los Angeles Dodgers
LAD
-1.5
-167
O 8.5
Chicago Cubs
CHC
+1.5
+141
U 8.5
Although often in the shadow of superstar Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto’s growth is equally vital for the Dodgers. He enters the second year of a lucrative $325 million, 12-year contract signed prior to last season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Yamamoto’s development, stating, “I think Yoshinobu has grown up considerably in one year. I really do. I think he’ll have a tremendous season. His ability to bounce back after that rough start speaks volumes about his character.”
Following that challenging first start, Yamamoto found his rhythm in 2024 with a 7-2 record, a 3.00 ERA, and 105 strikeouts across 90 innings, despite dealing with a shoulder injury that limited his appearances. His playoff performance was commendable, especially during the World Series, where he allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings in a pivotal Game 2 victory.
Yamamoto primarily relies on a three-pitch arsenal: a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, a curveball, and a potent splitter that generates numerous swings and misses. He has proven that he can excel in the major leagues.
At just 26 years old, Yamamoto could be a standout in a formidable starting rotation that features two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, rookie Roki Sasaki, and eventually Ohtani, who is expected to return in May.
Dustin May and Bobby Miller are also viable options, while veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw may contribute if he remains healthy.
However, the spotlight on opening day is firmly on Yamamoto. He is set to embrace this opportunity in his homeland, especially as he faces Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga in the first all-Japanese starting pitcher matchup in MLB history.
The memory of his challenging start in South Korea is now a distant thought.
Yamamoto reflected on his preparation, stating, “There’s not much difference this year. Last year, things didn’t go my way, but I’m happy with where I am now.”
During the Dodgers’ exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants, Yamamoto enjoyed a role reversal. After his teammates aided his adjustment to life in the U.S. last season, he now shares his local knowledge with them in Japan.
“I like to help as much as I can, in my way,” Yamamoto said. “I think they’re all enjoying the different environment.”
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