The Los Angeles Dodgers made Yoshinobu Yamamoto the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history, but so far through his first two starts, the results have been a mixed bag.
During his MLB debut in the Seoul Series, Yamamoto allowed five runs in the first inning, and he did not return for the second. During his second start, which came at Dodger Stadium, the right-hander pitched five shutout innings.
“I think my last outing went well,” Yamamoto said through his interpreter. “And then for that one I think I had a pretty good preparation. So I’m focusing on getting myself ready to go out there and then do what I can do.”
Yamamoto’s next start is coming in a hostile environment at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, which will be a challenge for the 25-year-old. He admitted to some nerves before his previous starts, so he will have to combat those making his first road start.
“I do get nervous when I go out there,” Yamamoto acknowledged. “That’s why I try to do my best preparation. And I think I did what I can do so far, and I just do my best.”
While Yamamoto has made some adjustments with his mechanics, he said the most important thing for him is staying calm and executing his pitches.
It was also within the realm of possibilities that it could take Yamamoto some time to adjust to the Major Leagues as a whole, but he believes that has been made easier because of the support group around him.
“To be honest, I didn’t really have many issues adjusting, because I’ve been saying this, but I get all the support from everybody, players and organization,” Yamamoto said. “So that helped me a lot.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto enjoying Los Angeles
Yamamoto is also living in a new country for the first time, and so far it’s been a pleasant experience.
“I haven’t been able to explore the city, but I’m enjoying my life in Los Angeles,” he said.
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