The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a strong performance in his final spring training game before the World Baseball Classic. On Friday, pitching against the San Francisco Giants, Yamamoto struck out four batters over three innings, allowing five hits and two runs while throwing 52 pitches. Despite his efforts, the Dodgers fell 12-4 to the Giants. This outing highlighted Yamamoto’s readiness as the team prepares for the upcoming season and his role in Japan‘s WBC campaign.
Representing Japan at the World Baseball Classic
Following spring training, Yamamoto will join the Japanese national team aiming to defend their 2023 World Baseball Classic title. He will share the field with Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani as they seek to bring another championship to Japan. The WBC is scheduled to kick off on March 5 and run through March 17, featuring a competitive mix of players from around the globe, including several Dodgers joining various national teams.
Dodgers Players Participating in the WBC
In addition to Yamamoto and Ohtani for Japan, five other Dodgers players are competing in the tournament. Will Smith will represent Team USA, Edwin Díaz will play for Puerto Rico, Hyeseong Kim will pitch for South Korea, Antonio Knowles will join Great Britain, and Jake Gelof will compete for Israel. This gathering of talent underscores the Dodgers’ international presence in the WBC amid spring training.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
Yamamoto enters the new campaign following a strong 2023 season where he posted a 12-8 record, a 2.49 ERA, and 208 strikeouts. He played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, earning World Series MVP honors. Spring training will continue until March 24, as the Dodgers prepare for their season opener at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26. Yamamoto’s spring performance and international experience will be key factors in the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title.
Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s final spring training outing before the WBC:
3 innings
5 hits
2 runs
0 walks
4 strikeouts
52 pitches, 37 strikes— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 27, 2026
