The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to welcome back starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto next week after he spent nearly three months on the injured list with a rotator cuff strain. Yamamoto, who signed a pitcher-record 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, was a standout performer before his injury, posting a 2.92 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 74 innings across 14 starts. The return of Yamamoto will provide a much-needed boost to a Dodgers rotation that has been plagued by injuries this season.
Before his return to the Dodgers, Yamamoto made two rehab starts for the Triple-A Oklahoma City club, pitching two innings in each outing. He allowed three earned runs, struck out five, and walked two during his rehab stint. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound pitcher has shown potential in his time with the Dodgers, but questions remain about his durability in MLB due to his smaller stature and previous adherence to the Japanese pitching schedule. However, his performance upon returning from injury will be crucial in determining his ability to pitch consistently every five days in the major leagues.
With less than a month to go before the MLB postseason, the Dodgers are looking to solidify their starting pitching rotation, with players like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow still working their way back from injuries. The team will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year, when injuries to key pitchers contributed to a disappointing postseason exit. The return of Yamamoto will provide the Dodgers with added depth and options on the mound as they prepare for a potential playoff run.
Yamamoto is set to make his return to the mound on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at home, giving the Dodgers an opportunity to assess his readiness for the final stretch of the season. The Japanese pitcher’s performance in this game will be closely scrutinized as the team looks to make decisions about its playoff rotation. The Dodgers will be hoping that Yamamoto can regain the form that made him a standout performer earlier in the season and help bolster their pitching staff for the postseason.
Despite the concerns about his durability, Yamamoto has the potential to be a key contributor for the Dodgers down the stretch. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level will be critical for the team’s success in the postseason. With injuries continuing to plague the Dodgers’ rotation, Yamamoto’s return provides a much-needed boost and adds another quality arm to the mix. The team will be looking to him to deliver when it matters most as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs and compete for a World Series title.
As the Dodgers enter the final stretch of the regular season, the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto provides a significant boost to their pitching staff and adds depth to a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries. With key players like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow still working their way back, Yamamoto’s return is a welcome sight for manager Dave Roberts and the rest of the team. The Japanese pitcher will have a chance to prove his durability and effectiveness in his upcoming start against the Chicago Cubs, as the Dodgers look to solidify their postseason rotation and make a deep playoff run.
