Yoshinobu Yamamoto ready to shine, starting with Dodgers' Opener in Japan

Yoshinobu Yamamoto knows what it is like to travel around the world to take the hill for his first start in the Major League baseball season.

It is certain to say that the first attempt was not very well.

But the Japanese right-handed man achieved this brutal 2024 MLB debut in South Korea back, and five runs in just one inning against the San Diego Padres Auffg- and was a decisive part of a team that defeated a World Series title in five games.

A season later he is ready to be a star.

“This is my second year – I am no longer a newcomer,” said Yamamoto through an interpreter. “So I would like to get better and be a player who can do much more about the team.”

Yamamoto has developed as a potential ASS for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, and he will take the hill for the team's opening day against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday in the Tokyo Dome (6:10 a.m. ET on Fox).

Although Yamamoto's development is often overshadowed by superstar teammate Shohei Ohtani, it is probably just as important for the Dodgers as he concludes the second year with a 12-year deal of $ 325 million he had signed before last season.

“I think Yoshinobu grew up considerably in a year,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I really do it. I think he'll have an enormous season. I think [competition] And his character. “

After the first start, Yamamoto was very good when he achieved a 7-2 record, 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 Innerings in 2024, although he was forced to miss about half of the season. He was solid in the playoffs, especially during the World Series, when he only gave up one run over 6 1/3 innings in a win.

Yamamoto mainly relies on a three-pitch mix from the mid-1990s Fastball, a curve ball and a devastating splitter that runs a lot of momentum and Miss. Now he also knows that he can thrive in the big leagues.

“I think the greatest is the trust you have to do through experience in order to gain more trust,” said Roberts. “As the manifests, it is that he trusts his fastball in the strike zone and that he doesn't have to be too good with it, and that does everything else better.”

The 26-year-old Yamamoto could be one of the headliners of an elite start-up to which the two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, the Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki and finally Ohtani, who hopes to return to Mound in May.

Dustin May and Bobby Miller are also options, while the experienced left -hander Clayton Kershaw could be able to afford in healthy.

But the first game of the regular season belongs to Yamamoto. He is ready to take the opportunity in his home country, especially since the start of the Cubs Linfty Shota Imanaga offers the first all-Japanese start-Krug-Matchup in MLB history.

This rough start in South Korea a year ago is far from it.

“There is no big difference in terms of preparation,” said Yamamoto. “Last year things didn't go on my way, but this year I think I am quite satisfied where I am.”

During the Dodgers exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants this weekend Yamamoto enjoyed a little roles. After his teammates helped him to hire the United States last season, he will know the local this week in Japan.

“I am happy to help as much as possible,” said Yamamoto. “I think they all enjoy the different surroundings.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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