Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a memorable 2024 Cactus League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers as he faced the minimum over two innings while striking out three and giving up just one hit.
While the right-hander impressed in his short outing, there were concerns that he may have been tipping his pitches as those watching on the SportsNet LA broadcast saw his pitch grip in his glove. No runner made it to second base against Yamamoto, so the issue did not become a bigger problem.
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said the team is always keeping an eye out for pitchers potentially tipping their pitches, but they don’t seem overly concerned that Yamamoto’s glove position could become a long-term issue.
Likewise, Yamamoto is not worried that he potentially tipped pitches against the Texas Rangers but will make corrections if necessary, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
So, the glove’s position on the broadcast is “not really a big concern for me at this point,” Yamamoto said through his interpreter, Yoshihiro Sonoda. If it becomes an issue, he said, “I’ll make those adjustments.”
Teams are always on the lookout for pitch-tipping as it could give their opponents a major advantage. The issue isn’t exclusive to one club and usually gets corrected as soon as coaches become aware of the problem.
Even if Yamamoto was tipping his pitches, it is still early enough in the spring to ensure it does not continue happening when the regular season begins.
The 25-year-old is expected to make a couple of more Cactus League starts before he potentially takes the mound against the San Diego Padres in the Seoul Series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto ‘relieved’ after Dodgers Spring Training debut
Expectations are high for Yamamoto this season and he was happy to get his first start with the Dodgers out of the way. “I’m kind of relieved. Let’s see how I do as I get more innings,” he said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda.
“It’s a Spring Training game and there were going to be some nerves, so just tried to stay calm.”
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