Yoshinobu Yamamoto was establishing himself as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has not pitched for the club since June 15 due to an injury.
First called triceps tightness when Yamamoto left his start, the injury was determined to be a strained rotator cuff, which has kept him sidelined all this time.
However, Yamamoto has been making progress in his recovery now, and it seems more probable than not that he will be able to return this season.
He took one more step toward his return on Friday, but had that cut short. Thankfully, it was not due to injury or any setbacks, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Yamamoto was expected to throw two simulated innings, but he only faced five hitters and threw 17 pitches – the result of either a miscommunication or caution as the typical summer heat and humidity enveloped St. Louis.
Yamamoto is expected to continue his build up process, and with that, he is getting closer to going on a Minor League rehab assignment, the final step before he returns to the Dodgers:
Yamamoto said he expects to throw two more live BP sessions increasing those pitch counts before there will be a discussion with the Dodgers’ coaches and medical staff about a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment.
Yamamoto went 6-2 with a 2.92 ERA, 2.68 FIP and 1.07 WHIP with 84 strikeouts in 14 starts before going on the injured list. The Dodgers then transferred him to the 60-day IL, which made Aug. 15 the earliest he can be activated.
The Dodgers need Yamamoto to return this season as he will be an important part of their playoff run. The latest injury to Tyler Glasnow also places more importance on Yamamoto returning.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto motivated by missed games
Yamamoto is focused on completing his rehab assignment as quickly as possible, and he hopes that his desire to pitch again could will him to complete his rehab sooner rather than later.
Yamamoto’s timeline for a return is likely some time in September, which would give him a few starts before the playoffs begin.
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