Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to make his highly anticipated debut for Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers.
Yamamoto was one of the most coveted free agents in MLB history, and ultimately signed with the Dodgers on a record-breaking deal. Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million agreement is the largest contract ever given to a pitcher in MLB history.
The right-hander made the jump to MLB after winning the Pacific League MVP to end his career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and his third consecutive Eiji Sawamura Award, their version of the Cy Young.
Yamamoto projects to be an ace at the MLB level, and at just 25-years-old, is set to enter the prime of his career.
Yamamoto has been impressing everyone at during Spring Training, with praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, along with Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts after they faced him in live batting practice.
Freeman, who is not fooled by many pitchers, came away with high praise for the right-hander, who the veteran described as “the whole package” and “nasty.”
The biggest question surrounding Yamamoto is how he will adjust to the baseballs used in MLB, which are slightly bigger and slicker than those used in Japan. He also needs to get on an MLB schedule of starting every fifth or sixth day, rather than once a week.
Despite those adjustments, Yamamoto should be one of the top pitchers in MLB this season, and the Dodgers backed that belief with their significant financial commitment to him.
He is also slated to start one of the Dodgers’ two opening games in Seoul, South Korea next month.
How to watch Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers Spring Training debut
First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. PT at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, and will be televised by SportsNet LA, with the radio call being handled by Dodgers Radio on AM 570.
Another means to watch Yamamoto’s Dodgers debut is via MLB.TV stream, or listen on MLB.com.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
