Yamamoto is ready to emerge as a star for the Dodgers, starting with their opener in Japan

TOKYO (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto knows what it's like to travel across the world to take the mound for his first start of the Major League Baseball season.

It's safe to say the first attempt didn't go very well.

But the Japanese right-hander bounced back from that brutal 2024 MLB debut in South Korea — where he gave up five runs in just one inning against the San Diego Padres — and ended up being a crucial part of a team that captured a World Series title by beating the New York Yankees in five games.

One season later, he's ready to be a star.

“This is my second year, I’m not a rookie anymore,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter. “So I’d like to get better and be a player who can make a contribution to the team a lot more.”

Yamamoto has emerged as a potential ace for the Dodgers this season and he'll take the mound for the team's opening day start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.

Though often overshadowed by superstar teammate Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto's development is arguably just as important for the Dodgers as he enters the second year of a $325 million, 12-year deal he signed before last season.

“I think Yoshinobu has grown up considerably in one year, I really do,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he’ll have a tremendous season. I think it speaks to his character in the sense that after that debacle, that rough start, to bounce back like he did, it speaks to his compete and his character.”

After the first start, Yamamoto was very good when he pitched in 2024, posting a 7-2 record, 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings despite a shoulder injury that forced him to miss about half of the season. He was solid in the playoffs, particularly during the World Series, when he gave up just one run over 6 1/3 innings in a Game 2 win.

Yamamoto relies mostly on a three-pitch mix of a mid-90s fastball, a curveball and a devastating splitter that coaxes plenty of swing and miss. Now he also knows he can thrive in the big leagues.

“I think the biggest thing is confidence, which you have to go through the experience, to gain more confidence,” Roberts said. “How that manifests is that he trusts his fastball in the strike zone and he doesn’t have to be too fine with it, and that makes everything else better.”

The 26-year-old Yamamoto could be one of the headliners of an elite starting rotation that includes two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki and eventually Ohtani, who hopes to return to the mound in May.

Dustin May and Bobby Miller are also options while veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw could contribute if healthy.

But the first game of the regular season belongs to Yamamoto. He's ready to seize the opportunity in his home country, especially since the start opposite Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga features the first all-Japanese starting pitcher matchup in MLB history.

That rough start in South Korea a year ago is far from his mind.

“In terms of preparation, there’s not much difference," Yamamoto said. "Last year, things didn’t go my way, but this year, I think I’m pretty happy with where I am.”

During the Dodgers' exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants this weekend, Yamamoto has enjoyed a bit of role reversal. After his teammates helped him adjust to the U.S. last season, he gets to be the one with the local knowledge this week in Japan.

“I like to help as much as I can, in my way," Yamamoto said. "I think they’re all enjoying the different environment.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Topics

Nearing end of short spring, Dodgers, Cubs make final preparations for season opener in Japan

Shohei Ohtani’s bat is ready for the Los Angeles Dodgers while Shota Imanaga has looked good on the mound for the Chicago Cubs with less than 10 days remaining before baseball’s regular-season ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 9
Dodgers' Betts dealing with illness in Japan, Roberts hopeful he'll be ready for opening day

Shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the Los Angeles Dodgers' two exhibition games in Japan because of an illness, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. Roberts said he's still hopeful that the ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Betts struggling with illness, could miss opener

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time All-Star will be ready for Opening Day in Japan.
ESPN - 14h
How to watch Dodgers vs Cubs MLB Tokyo Series 2025: TV/stream info, start times for season opener in Japan

Previewing the start of the 2025 MLB season as the Dodgers and Cubs square off in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Yoshinobu Yamamoto stays in line to pitch opening day for the Dodgers in Tokyo

Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his fourth and final Cactus League appearance Monday, throwing 75 pitches over five innings, giving up a run on four hits and striking out seven.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Dodgers' Mookie Betts still struggling with illness, status for opening day in doubt

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time All-Star will be ready for opening day against ...
Yahoo Sports - 22h
Dodgers' Mookie Betts still struggling with illness, status for opening day in doubt

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time All-Star will be ready for opening day against ...
ABC News - 23h
Dodgers to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki in MLB's Tokyo Series vs. Cubs

The two-game series will open the season on March 18-19
CBS Sports - 5d
'Paint Japan blue': How the Dodgers' vision of Japanese prominence became reality

It's an almost unthinkable reality: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are all Dodgers. And a Japanese fan base has coalesced around its interest in the team.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Shohei Ohtani hits 2-run homer in Japan during Dodgers win over Yomiuri Giants

Ohtani and the Dodgers will open the 2025 season in Japan with a two-game series against the Cubs.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers win exhibition game in Tokyo

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers have Japan excited in the days leading up to their season opener next week.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Dodgers' Betts to miss Japan games with illness

Shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the Los Angeles Dodgers' two exhibition games in Japan because of an illness, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday.
ESPN - 2d
Mookie Betts to sit for exhibitions in Japan, Dodgers will re-evaluate for Tokyo Series

Mookie Betts will be re-evaluated during the team's off-day on Monday, and is questionable to be in the lineup for the club's two regular-season-opening games at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Shohei Ohtani electrifies Tokyo Dome crowd as Dodgers slugger crushes home run in exhibition game

The Dodgers will open the 2025 MLB regular season against the Cubs in a two-game Tokyo Series starting March 18
CBS Sports - 1d
Ohtani hits long home run in return to Japan

In an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani belted a long two-run homer to right field in the third inning in his return to the Tokyo Dome.
ESPN - 1d
After ‘kick’ controversy, Nick Ball is ready to meet the best fighter in the world

The Liverpudlian emerged from a scrappy, ugly fight with TJ Doheny, in which he escaped punishment after kicking out at his opponent, to stand in line to face Japan’s legendary four-weight world ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Paul Sullivan: As the Cubs prepare for the season opener in Japan, a modest proposal to fix the Tokyo Series

CHICAGO — When the Chicago Cubs opened the 2000 season with a two-game series in Tokyo against the New York Mets, it was considered the start of a new era. “I don’t think this is going to be a ‘put ...
Yahoo Sports - 2h
Dodgers' Tokyo Series trip confirms the team's 'overwhelming' hold on Japan

More than 10,000 fans packed into the lower bowl of the Tokyo Dome on Friday to watch the Dodgers go through their first official workout.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Tokyo Series preview: Everything you need to know before the Dodgers and Cubs begin the 2025 MLB season in Japan

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers will face the Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Dodgers fall to Hanshin Tigers in final tuneup before start of season

Behind a superb start from Hiroto Saiki, the Hanshin Tigers didn't give up a hit until the fifth inning and defeated the Dodgers 3-0 at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Fortnite announces Shohei Ohtani as first MLB player available in-game

The Dodgers star will be added to the Fortnite shop starting March 17 and includes multiple styles.
ESPN - 6d
Hernández: Tokyo Series atmosphere shows Shohei Ohtani is more than 'a representative of Japan'

The response to Shohei Ohtani at the Tokyo Dome Friday re-established a longstanding truth about the Dodgers: In Japan's view, there is Ohtani and then there is everyone else.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Tsunami survivor Sasaki wants to repay support in Dodgers debut

When Roki Sasaki makes his Los Angeles Dodgers debut next week, the pitcher will dedicate it to those who supported him after his father and grandparents were killed in Japan's 2011 ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Pirates announce ace Paul Skenes will start on opening day at Miami

Paul Skenes is going to start for the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day
ABC News - 1d
Japan’s Rice Shortage Sets Off Auction of Emergency Stockpile

The Japanese government held a rare auction this week to make up for a rice shortage that an official called “truly unthinkable.”
The New York Times - 3d
Mookie Betts may miss Dodgers' season-opening Tokyo Series due to illness

Betts didn't play in either of the Dodgers' exhibitions in Tokyo versus the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers.
Yahoo Sports - 20h
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hopeful he will be ready for season opener on March 27

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson remains optimistic he will be ready for the season opener on March 27 as he recovers from a mild right intercoastal strain. "That’s my plan,” Henderson ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Zach Eflin to start season opener for Orioles in Toronto

Zach Eflin will start for the Baltimore Orioles on opening day. The Orioles posted a video on social media showing Eflin getting the news from his wife and children. Eflin, who turns 31 on April ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Warmer winters creating 'existential threat' for some of Scotland’s coastal golf courses

Golf clubs are being asked to consider puishing back opening day as many of them are not ready for what has been the traditional start of the season.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Sho-time in Tokyo: Ohtani, Dodgers prepare to open MLB season vs. Cubs on Tuesday

The Major League Baseball season kicks off Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome when Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs. Ohtani, Yoshinobu ...
Yahoo Sports - 7h
Dodgers' Mookie Betts ruled out of Tokyo Series vs. Cubs because of stomach virus

Mookie Betts will miss both of the Dodgers' season-opening games at the Tokyo Dome this week against the Chicago Cubs, manager Dave Roberts said Monday.
Yahoo Sports - 8h
Dodgers star Mookie Betts won't play in 2 regular season games vs. Cubs in Tokyo because of illness

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of an illness that's lingered for the past week. Manager Dave Roberts said ...
Yahoo Sports - 9h
Pirates announce ace Paul Skenes will start on opening day at Miami

Paul Skenes is going to start for the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day. Skenes is coming off a dominant performance in his first season in the majors. The 22-year-old right-hander went 11-3 with ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Framber Valdez to make 4th consecutive start on opening day for the Astros

Framber Valdez is going to start for the Houston Astros on opening day — again. Manager Joe Espada told reporters on Sunday that Valdez will take the mound when the Astros host the New York Mets ...
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Stars set to shine in Cape and Islands girls and boys basketball High School All-Star game

Get ready for the end of the high school basketball season on a high note with Sunday's All-Star game in Hyannis.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
From Nomo to Ichiro to Ohtani: Japan's baseball rise in MLB hits high point in Dodgers-Cubs series

Nearly 25 years after Ichiro Suzuki embarked on a Hall of Fame career for the Seattle Mariners, the impact of Japanese players in Major League Baseball is at a high point
ABC News - 20h
Clay Holmes will start Mets' opener as he makes transition from relief role

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will take the mound on opening day for his first start since 2018. Holmes has worked 9 2/3 shutout innings over three Grapefruit League starts as he moves ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese players come home to start the MLB season

It's the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome to start the Major League Baseball season
ABC News - 3d
Mets give newcomer Holmes nod for Opening Day

Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will take the mound on opening day for his first start since 2018.
ESPN - 2d

More from Yahoo Sports

Yahoo Sports AM: Brackets revealed

In today's edition: Brackets revealed, Bengals lock up Chase and Higgins, 17-year-old wins at Indian Wells, the Hanshin Tigers steal the show, playoff at The Players, and more.
Yahoo Sports - 17m
Yahoo Sports AM: Brackets revealed

In today's edition: Brackets revealed, Bengals lock up Chase and Higgins, 17-year-old wins at Indian Wells, the Hanshin Tigers steal the show, playoff at The Players, and more.
Yahoo Sports - 17m
Auburn basketball’s first round opponent revealed ahead of 2025 NCAA Tournament

Auburn basketball will face either Alabama State or St. Francis in March Madness to open its 2025 NCAA Tournament men’s bracket.
Yahoo Sports - 13h
Best 2025 March Madness bracket names to use in NCAA Tournament pools

Filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket is only half the fun. Here are some bracket names to help get you started.
Yahoo Sports - 14h
Katelyn Young scores 34 as Murray State powers past Belmont 83-62 to win Missouri Valley title

Katelyn Young scored 34 points to help power Murray State to its first Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship by beating Belmont 83-62 on Sunday. Young surpassed 3,000 career points ...
Yahoo Sports - 15h