Yoshinobu Yamamoto remains committed to aiding the Los Angeles Dodgers in their pursuit of a World Series title this year.
The right-hander, who has been sidelined since June 15 due to right triceps tightness, pitched two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday. Through an interpreter, he shared, “The feeling was pretty good. Everything is starting to come all together”.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts outlined the next steps, stating that Yamamoto is scheduled to throw three innings within the next five days. This will precede a rehab assignment and a possible return in September.
“One thing at a time,” Yamamoto commented. “I’m going to throw some games in September, and then we’ll see.”
Yamamoto was one of the Dodgers’ high-profile acquisitions this past offseason, joining Shohei Ohtani. He signed a 12-year, $325 million contract and was expected to be a key figure in the team’s starting rotation.
And that’s precisely what he accomplished in his 14 starts before landing on the injured list.
During those starts, the right-hander recorded a 2.92 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts over 74 innings. He adapted quickly to major league competition in his first season playing in the United States.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Photo: Kirby Lee)
His injury was just one of several setbacks for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. River Ryan, Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan, and Kyle Hurt all required Tommy John surgery, while Dustin May is out for the remainder of the season following flexor tendon and esophageal surgery.
Additionally, Tyler Glasnow is currently on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow tendinitis.
Yamamoto’s potential return before the playoffs is crucial for the Dodgers, and Wednesday’s outing suggested he is on the right track.
“The ball was coming out of his hand with a lot of life,” Roberts observed. “It seems like he’s healthy. As long as he recovers well, then we can start focusing on his command and all the finer details.”
Los Angeles currently leads the National League West, holding a 3.5-game advantage over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. With neither team fading in the division race, the Dodgers will benefit from reinforcements in their pitching rotation.
And Yamamoto’s right arm could prove invaluable in pivotal playoff moments as well.
