The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a tough loss against the Chicago Cubs, giving up a robbed home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong in one of their sloppiest defensive games of the season. However, amidst this disappointment, there was a glimmer of hope – Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return after a three-month hiatus. Coming back from a strained rotator cuff, Yamamoto showcased his talent by limiting the Cubs to just one run in four innings and striking out eight batters. His fastball averaged over 96 mph, while his splitter and curveball left hitters struggling. Despite the loss, the Dodgers found solace in Yamamoto’s strong performance, marking a potential turning point for their pitching rotation.
Injuries have plagued the Dodgers’ rotation this season, leaving uncertainty in their pitching staff leading up to October. With only Jack Flaherty considered a lock to start games, the return of Tyler Glasnow from elbow tendinitis offered a glimmer of hope. After a successful bullpen session, Glasnow was cleared for a simulated game, boosting the team’s confidence in their pitching depth. Yamamoto’s resurgence further solidified the rotation, showcasing the promise that led to his record-breaking contract with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts expressed his optimism, stating that the pitching rotation was starting to align with the team’s initial vision.
Yamamoto’s outing against the Cubs was nothing short of impressive. Opening with three consecutive strikeouts, he set the tone for his return, displaying his command and dominance on the mound. Despite some defensive lapses leading to a run in the second inning, Yamamoto quickly bounced back, striking out the side in the third. His crisp pitches and ability to hit his spots left both teammates and fans in awe of his performance. Speaking through an interpreter, Yamamoto expressed his own surprise at his outing, hinting at more promising starts to come.
With a pitch count of 59 in his first game back, Yamamoto is set to increase to around 75 pitches in his upcoming start, with three more opportunities to fine-tune his form before the postseason. Manager Roberts emphasized the importance of Yamamoto’s consistency moving forward, highlighting his command and pitch variety as key strengths. As the Dodgers aim to regain their dominance on the mound, Yamamoto’s return serves as a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging season. The team’s focus now shifts towards solidifying their rotation and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the postseason.
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