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Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Rough Debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s highly anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers did not go as planned, as he lasted just one inning in a 15-11 loss to the San Diego Padres. The 25-year-old right-hander, who recently signed a record-breaking $325 million, 12-year contract, struggled from the start, giving up five runs and exiting with a 45.00 ERA.
Yamamoto faced early adversity, falling behind 2-0 after just nine pitches and needing 43 pitches to record three outs. His performance led to his early exit, with Michael Grove taking over on the mound for the struggling Dodgers.
Yamamoto’s Struggles on the Mound
Despite high expectations, Yamamoto failed to meet them in his debut. He allowed four hits, walked a batter, hit another, and threw a wild pitch during his brief outing. His lack of command was evident as he threw just 23 strikes out of 45 pitches, with an average fastball velocity of 95.4 mph.
Yamamoto’s troubles began early in the game, as Xander Bogaerts singled on his first pitch, followed by a hit-by-pitch and a triple that put the Padres ahead 2-0. Subsequent hits and defensive lapses by the Dodgers allowed San Diego to score five runs in the first inning, a concerning start for the highly paid pitcher.
After the game, Yamamoto expressed regret over his performance, acknowledging his responsibility to keep the team in the game. Despite the disappointing debut, he remained optimistic about his future outings, stating, “I just got to get ready for the next outing.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributed Yamamoto’s struggles to a lack of command rather than a lack of skill, emphasizing the pitcher’s history of precise control. Roberts expressed confidence that Yamamoto would bounce back from this setback and showcase his true abilities in the games to come.
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