Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a solid performance in his spring debut, pitching 30 pitches during the Dodgers’ dominant 15-2 victory over the Angels on Saturday. Despite allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and striking out three, Yamamoto remains confident as he prepares for Team Japan’s upcoming participation in the World Baseball Classic.
This outing was the first of two planned appearances before he joins the national team for the tournament starting on March 5.
Yamamoto’s Early Strong Showing Tempered by Mid-Game Challenges
Yamamoto started the game strong, dispatching two batters via strikeout in his initial inning on just 12 pitches. However, after a long break during the Dodgers’ six-run second inning, his rhythm was disrupted. When he returned, Yamamoto gave up two runs amid a sequence involving a fielding error by left fielder Teoscar Hernandez. Due to his growing pitch count, the Dodgers replaced him with Antonio Knowles with two outs that inning.
Despite these challenges, Yamamoto reassured reporters that his condition is on target for the tight schedule leading up to the World Baseball Classic.
“I was looking for some stuff I needed to get back before I go back to Japan and join the team,”
Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda.
“I was looking forward to the feeling, the delivery and those things.”
He added that he felt particularly strong during his first inning but acknowledged that the lengthy break affected his control later in the game.
“And then somehow I was able to carry that to today’s game, especially the first inning. I think I was great, but due to the gap between innings, that affected me a bit.”
Yamamoto is expected to make one more start for the Dodgers, likely on Friday in Arizona against the Giants, before heading to Japan for the international competition.
Managing Workload as Yamamoto Gradually Prepares for New Season
Yamamoto’s offseason was shorter than usual after an intense 2023 campaign. The 27-year-old was the only Dodgers pitcher to start every scheduled game last season, logging 173.2 innings during the regular season. He then carried a heavy postseason load, winning three critical World Series games against the Blue Jays, including his final appearance on no rest, which secured him the World Series MVP award.
With the Dodgers aiming for a third consecutive championship, manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of Yamamoto maintaining his health and strength through careful preparation.
“It’s kind of every day, it’s from the day we signed him, how intentional he is about his work and his body care,”
Roberts noted.
“I just know that he’s not going to put himself in harm’s way in any way.”
Yamamoto’s disciplined approach to his workload and recovery will be crucial as he balances spring training performances with the high expectations placed on him both by the Dodgers and Team Japan heading into the World Baseball Classic.
