Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the new Dodgers right-hander, had a challenging outing against the Chicago White Sox in the Cactus League.
Despite signing a lucrative deal with the Dodgers, Yamamoto struggled to find his rhythm as he allowed five earned runs and six hits in just three innings.
He struggled with his curveball and fell behind in counts, but his 88-mph split-fingered fastball was a bright spot, leading to all four of his strikeouts.
Yamamoto acknowledged his difficulties but was glad he had the opportunity to try new things.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn't have it today pic.twitter.com/vScCgjFIim
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 6, 2024
He will have one more exhibition start before the team’s season-opening series in South Korea to make adjustments.
The Dodgers catcher, Austin Barnes, understood that rough performances happen in spring training and believes Yamamoto will learn from the experience.
The game also marked the reunion of Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, who played together for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani, who also joined the Dodgers, played an instrumental role in recruiting Yamamoto and is expected to benefit from having a fellow Japanese teammate.
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts believes that having a teammate who speaks the same language will provide comfort and confidence for both Ohtani and Yamamoto.
Overall, despite Yamamoto’s struggles, the Dodgers’ offensive highlight of the day came from first baseman Freddie Freeman, who hit a grand slam.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s unconventional training methods, which prioritize flexibility and body awareness, have caught the attention of his new teammates.
Mookie Betts, who is around the same size as Yamamoto, has started working with his personal trainer and incorporating some of his techniques into his own regimen.
Betts recognizes the value of learning from someone as accomplished as Yamamoto, who has won numerous awards in Japan.
Although Betts doesn’t anticipate gaining more power through these methods, he hopes to improve his flexibility as he transitions to second base.
He prioritizes staying healthy and performing at his best for the duration of his contract. Meanwhile, shortstop Gavin Lux continues to struggle defensively, making throwing errors in exhibition play.
Reliever Joe Kelly had a solid outing, while Ryan Brasier gave up a two-run homer. Yamamoto had a mixed performance in his second Spring Training start, allowing five runs and struggling with command.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a successful first Spring Training test, throwing two scoreless innings against the Rangers. However, his second test did not go as well.
In his second Spring Training start against the White Sox, he gave up five runs in three innings and struggled with his command, walking three batters.
#ITFDB pic.twitter.com/369zmP0I2t
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 6, 2024
Despite the less-than-ideal performance, Yamamoto saw it as an opportunity to try out different strategies and work on pitching from the stretch, which he didn’t do much in his first start.
He acknowledged that there were too many walks and balls but was glad he had the chance to experiment and learn from the experience.
Japanese pitcher Yamamoto showcased a strong performance in a recent Spring Training game, utilizing a variety of pitches such as the four-seamer and his signature splitter.
Dodgers’ catcher Austin Barnes praised Yamamoto’s improvement throughout the game and commended his strong finish.
The White Sox outfielder Dominic Fletcher also admired Yamamoto’s pitching repertoire, particularly his splitter and cutter.
Despite Yamamoto’s solid performance, defensive mishaps from the Dodgers’ left side of the infield impacted the outcome of the game.
Gavin Lux and Max Muncy made some mistakes, resulting in infield singles and a double that contributed to the White Sox’s score.
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the need for Lux to gain more experience in order to build confidence and improve his defensive skills.
Barnes emphasized the value of encountering challenges during Spring Training, which helps pitchers prepare for the regular season.
Yamamoto still has one more game in the Cactus League before making his Major League debut in the Opening Series against the Padres in Seoul, South Korea on March 20-21.
Fans reacted as follows:
He’s already in peak dodger playoff form
— LebronJamesHarden™️ (@LBJamesHarden) March 6, 2024
Yamamoto pitches a good game: No doubt Cy Young
Yamamoto pitches a bad game: Calm down it’s just spring training— Dylan Mobley (@dmob636) March 6, 2024
It’s only spring training .
— BiggBreeze (@BigBreezy29) March 6, 2024
Feeling like Yamamoto was slightly overrated by all… it’s spring training but he’s gonna need time to get situated to the MLB before being a top 10 pitcher
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) March 6, 2024
200M’s and he doesn’t have it
— Track Investing (@TrackInvesting) March 7, 2024
4.54 era and 1.3+ whip incoming.
— synthbangers (@synthbangers) March 7, 2024
Just a bad game, nothing to see here
— FT Sports (@FreeTimeSports_) March 6, 2024
Dodgers done
— Coby's Gambling Corner (@CobyValentine) March 6, 2024
Good thing they got him cheap
— Colin (@ColinSchoeneman) March 6, 2024
That’s going to be his best stat line this season. Mount Fuji is the better of the 2.
— Chris cote (@ChrisCote24) March 7, 2024
Carlos Rodon pitched better than this, and Yankees fans are on ledges.
— Greg Cohen (@SlidingIntoHome) March 6, 2024
As a Japanese fan, I was honestly surprised because it is rare for Yamamoto to runs allowed , but I’m not worried. Because he can quick to correct and respond.
That’s why Yamamoto was the first player Ohtani asked the team to acquire.— pag (@pag11541051) March 7, 2024
I know it’s spring! But for all the stars in the lineup, the starting pitching is still a question mark. Can Glasnow last? Will Buehler be okay? Kershaw and Paxton are regularly hurt.
— Troy Appel (@tdappel) March 6, 2024
The defensive left side of the infield is way more of a concern for the Dodgers today than Yamamoto's performance.
— Matthew Scheibe (@ScheibeMatthew) March 7, 2024
Wait til he has to face real mlb lineups every start pic.twitter.com/OCsZV1VKzg
— ♛🇬🇹JheyL👀kin⚾️ (@J9L00kin9) March 6, 2024
And it didn’t bother him a bit. Watch him dominate when he gets locked in. It doesn’t help having Lux and Muncy in the infield either
— TheLythamDodger (@TheLythamDodger) March 6, 2024
Love it! In the long run he will not be worth the large contract! Same with Ohtani!
— Curt Earnest (@EarnestCurt1961) March 6, 2024
It would be so funny if the recipient of the biggest free-agent pitcher contract ever turned out to be the second coming of Shintaro Fujinami
— Spencer Johnson 🏳️🌈 (@deathbymustelid) March 6, 2024
“It’s only spring training” but if he signed with the angels all hell would break loose against him
— Jimmy 🥳 (@itzjimmysotelo) March 6, 2024
People really think he’s going to perform consistently good in his first season in the MLB.. yall crazy. It took Shohei several. If he does great … if not.. it’s expected
— Christy Rose Williams (@wildwilliamses) March 6, 2024
