Yoshinobu Yamamoto was selected to the National League All-Star team for the second consecutive season after a stellar first half for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, Yamamoto did not get to pitch in the 96th edition of the Midsummer Classic due to starting last Saturday. That would have required Yamamoto to throw on just two days of rest if he did end up pitching in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.
Still, Yamamoto traveled to Philadelphia to be part of the ceremonies and spend time with the rest of the Dodgers who made the trip, including Justin Wrobleski, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Andy Pages, along with manager Dave Roberts and other members of the coaching staff.
“That was a great experience to spend time with great teammates, special teammates,” Yamamoto said through his interpreter. “That was a special moment for me.”
Given that the game was held in Citizens Bank Park, a somewhat hostile environment was expected from the Philadelphia Phillies’ faithful. And as expected, they met the moment with loud boos to all the Dodgers players and coaches who were introduced.
“To be honest, I kind of felt good,” Yamamoto said of being booed. “Because I knew how passionate fans are here since I experienced that in the postseason. To be honest, I kind of enjoyed it.”
Although not a true rivalry, the Phillies and Dodgers have met often in the postseason over the last two decades, and it was L.A. who had the most recent victory in Game 4 of the 2025 NL Division Series when they won the series on an error in the 11th inning.
The two teams seem to be on track to face off again in the postseason, and they have another series coming up just after the All-Star break.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto wanted to pitch in All-Star Game
Although Yamamoto was unavailable to pitch, he would have liked to participate in the game. The right-hander also said he hopes to get the opportunity again in the future.
“Of course, I felt a little bit disappointed,” Yamamoto said. “I hope I can come back and pitch in the All-Star Game in the future.”
The Dodgers did consider letting Yamamoto pitch if he really wanted to, but they decided it would be best not to push him on short rest for an exhibition game.
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