Yoshinobu Yamamoto Returns to Dodgers
PHOENIX — The talented pitcher is back.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the standout from last year’s World Series, is back with the Dodgers, sporting a notably stronger physique after some serious winter training to prepare for a demanding year ahead, including the World Baseball Classic.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches, Yamamoto appears more robust, showing noticeable muscle development in his upper body and, especially, his back.
He mentioned he had gained weight but was a bit vague about the amount.
“Just a little bit,” he joked, speaking in Japanese.
He laughed off any concern about his weight gain, saying, “It wasn’t because I was careless,” a comment that felt a bit unnecessary.
But honestly, it’s not just idle talk. Yamamoto really does look impressive. He has muscular build that could almost be likened to a tank. Many experts believe he’s a top contender for the National League Cy Young Award this year.
Last season, he faced challenges in being the first Japanese pitcher to win this prestigious award, but he seems to have conquered them.
Following a year when he openly expressed his ambition to earn the Cy Young Award, Yamamoto reflected on its significance, stating, “I think it’s a great award and record. I want to be able to pitch in a way that will earn me that recognition.”
Interestingly, just a day prior, Shohei Otani expressed similar aspirations.
When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was quipped about where he thought the team’s money was best spent, he chuckled, dodging a direct response.
At 27, Yamamoto portrays himself as the safer choice among Japan’s top pitchers. Last season, he was the only pitcher in the rotation throughout the regular season, chalking up 30 games, 12 wins, 8 losses, and an impressive 2.49 ERA. His playoff performance was stellar; he pitched a complete game in the National League Championship Series and played a pivotal role in the World Series. In a moment of grit, he even warmed up in the bullpen when the team ran low on pitchers, though the game ended with a homer from Freddie Freeman. He pitched critical innings in both Game 6 and the decisive Game 7.
His efforts garnered him the World Series MVP title.
Yamamoto stated he didn’t feel more fatigued than usual following the postseason. In fact, he felt rejuvenated.
“Honestly, my body wasn’t as tired as usual. I felt much better when I resumed training after a month off,” he shared.
Returning to his training routine, he resumed work with his trainer, Osamu Yada. Following Game 6 of the World Series, Yada advised him to prepare his body for potential bullpen work the next day. He believed that having Yamamoto ready could offer a psychological edge against the Blue Jays. “That’s how I was fooled,” Yamamoto remarked, acknowledging that it worked out to be beneficial for the Dodgers.
Yada’s training program for Yamamoto this winter was unconventional, incorporating exercises like handstands, back bridges, and javelin throwing, with adjustments tailored each year. This season, the focus was on increasing volume, and Yamamoto committed to training six days a week.
Despite the demanding schedule ahead, he feels confident about handling the workload.
He’s set to join the Japanese national team for the WBC training camp at the end of the month, likely as the team’s top starter. Additionally, he aims to lead the Dodgers’ rotation through the upcoming months, hoping to steer clear of the midseason slump that kept him from Cy Young consideration last year.
This could be a significant year for Yamamoto. Shohei Ohtani previously referred to him as the best pitcher in the world after the Dodgers captured the World Series. Recently, when he took live batting practice, Ohtani and Aki Sasaki watched from behind the plate, showcasing traditional Japanese kneeling—a gesture meant for respect but also playful, teasing Yamamoto’s prowess on the mound.
As he develops further, it seems likely that Yamamoto’s stellar reputation will grow. By next year, perhaps Ohtani’s views on him as a top pitcher will be widely accepted.
