Dodgers Have Target Date For Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Return
The Los Angeles Dodgers are ready to welcome starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto back to the starting rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed to reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the Japanese right-hander will take the ball on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium.
“It’s been a challenging journey, but being back here is rewarding,” Yamamoto said through his interpreter in Oklahoma City. “Watching the team play makes me eager to return as soon as possible. We have so many great players, and I’ve been looking forward to playing alongside them again.”
Yamamoto made his second rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. He was expected to throw three innings but a 17-pitch duel with Sugar Land catcher Omar Narváez raised Yamamoto’s pitch count to 53 after just two innings. That was his last inning.
“In the early part of the game, I was able to throw strikes, but I wasn’t getting as many swings and misses as I’d like, and some pitches were being taken for balls,” he explained. “Toward the end of the outing, I was able to identify the causes of those issues, which is encouraging.”
Yamamoto gave up two runs in the first after a walk and a double, but he also struck out three. His stuff was solid, with his fastball averaging 95.4 mph, pretty much on par with his season numbers. He got eight swinging strikes in his short time on the mound.
The rookie wasn’t completely satisfied with his performance but remained positive about his progress.
“I didn’t have my best stuff today, but it was still a productive outing,” he noted.
The Dodgers have been without Yamamoto since he hit the 15-day injured list on June 16 with what was officially a rotator cuff strain. He was shut down from throwing for almost a month but has been progressing without setbacks since he started playing catch in mid-July.
The righty’s return to the Dodgers will be crucial as they make tough decisions regarding their postseason roster. However, Yamamoto is determined to give the team whatever he has left in the tank. He wants to win and be at his best.
“I’m committed to working hard and getting back to where I need to be,” Yamamoto said.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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