Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto is Turning His English Into an Asset

The Dodgers are one of two MLB teams this season with two Japanese-born players, neither a native English speaker. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers for a combined $1.025 million last December. Each utilizes an interpreter to help them communicate with the media, coaches and teammates. 

In an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on Wednesday, Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack shared what it is like to have Ohtani and Yamamoto in the clubhouse.

“They’re just dudes,” Knack said to McKain. “They’re really good people, just fun to be around like good personality guys.” 

Both players have started to improve their English over time. Ohtani has even spoken in English in a few interviews. Knack told McKain that Yamamoto’s English has also improved significantly throughout the season, making it easier for Yamamoto to interact with his teammates.

“Yoshi, as the year’s gone on, has really learned a lot of English. He’s been able to communicate more and more with us even when Hiro (interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda) is not around,” Knack said. 

Yamamoto had an impressive first start since returning from injury on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. He logged a 2.88 ERA while allowing four hits and only one run across eight innings. The rookie pitcher also struck out eight batters and did not walk any. 

Before the game, Yamamoto received advice from three-time Cy Young teammate Clayton Kershaw, who has also struggled with injuries this season. Yamamoto’s comfortability with an English-speaking teammate could only have helped the conversation.

“Until yesterday, I had not been able to get my breaking pitches right, as was the case in my last outing,” Yamamoto said to a reporter who shared a video of the interaction on X. “So I got some advice by Kershaw and got a lot of strikeouts today. I appreciate him a lot.”

While Ohtani and Yamamoto have had successful first seasons with the Dodgers, learning a foreign language in the process might be a more impressive accomplishment.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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