While starting pitching has collectively yet to be the strength the Los Angeles Dodgers expected this season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as a frontline ace.
There were flashes of that during Yamamoto’s rookie season, and especially so into the playoffs as he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series win. But 2025 so far has been validation of the Dodgers signing Yamamoto to the richest contract for a pitcher in MLB history at $325 million.
Yamamoto’s impressive start to the season earned him National League Pitcher of the Month honors for March/April.
In the eyes of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, there wasn’t any other choice and Yamamoto should earn more honors as the season progresses, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I think quite frankly he’s outperformed everyone,” Roberts said after Yamamoto was named Pitcher of the Month. “It was the right decision, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets another one or two of these this season.”
Last month, Roberts declared Yamamoto as the “best pitcher” in the NL.
Yamamoto ranks seventh among all pitchers with 49 strikeouts this season, and his 0.90 ERA leads all qualified starters. Yamamoto’s 0.93 WHIP is 10th-best in all of baseball.
The right-hander has turned in four starts of at least six innings pitched without an earned run allowed. And he’s allowed multiple runs in just one of seven starts this season.
Roberts and the Dodgers saw signs Yamamoto developing into an ace during Spring Training. Whether Roberts, pitching coach Mark Prior or teammates, they cited Yamamoto’s improved comfort level and confidence when compared to his first season with the team.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto flirts with no-hitter
Hours after he was named NL Pitcher of the Month, Yamamoto authored yet another dominant start.
He had a no-hitter until Austin Riley doubled with two outs in the sixth inning. Up to that point the Atlanta Braves’ only baserunners came when Marcell Ozuna walked in the first and fourth innings.
Yamamoto’s night finished at 91 pitches over six scoreless innings. He’s likely only going to receive five days of rest before next taking the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday due to the Dodgers playing 10 games in a row without a break in their schedule.
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