Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound Thursday in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first Cactus League game of their Spring Training schedule and pitched to solid results.
The right-hander got through 1.2 innings of work against the Chicago Cubs, allowing one run on three hits. Tallying two strikeouts, Yamamoto flashed some early life on his fastball and devastating secondary stuff.
Yamamoto is slated to start on Opening Day in the Tokyo Series, marking a second consecutive year his regular season debut will come internationally. But for where Yamamoto is at right now, he’s much further along than heading into his rookie year.
It’s a sentiment Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has shared in camp and one Yamamoto confirmed.
“Yes, I do agree,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yosihiro Sonada. “Including my career in Japan, around the same time as this year, I think I’m way ahead compared to the last couple years.”
The 26-year-old proved to be a worthwhile investment in his rookie season with the Dodgers, returning from injury late in the year to become a stable force in their World Series run. Yamamoto echoed the notion that the experience has bettered himself, leaving him more prepared heading into year two.
“Having one full season under my belt, I know how to prepare myself based on what I experienced last year,” he added. “And also Doc and the coaches and staff, I know how to communicate with everybody. I think the communication is better than last year.”
Even with the addition of marquee starting pitchers, Yamamoto still has the runway and pedigree to be the ace of the staff. The Dodgers don’t push starters to absolute limits, and like to save innings for the playoffs, but he has the stuff to be their top pitcher.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto & Shota Imanaga making MLB history
Yamamoto went into Spring Training pitching with an aggressive demeanor and that carried into in his first start of camp. He seemingly is on a strong path to preparing for the Tokyo Series.
For the Cubs, Shota Imanaga is penciled in as their Opening Day starter.
Thus, it’s going to mark the first time two Japanese-born pitchers are starting opposite each other in a regular-season opener.
Furthermore, it’s going to mark the first time the Dodgers have ever played a regular season game at the Tokyo Dome, while it is the second-ever series for the Cubs.
Chicago was a part of the inaugural Tokyo Dome series in 2000, which was the first time MLB ever played a game overseas.
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