Yamamoto’s Return Looms as Dodgers Pitching Staff Faces Challenges
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be much relieved as ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to pitch again by early to mid-September. The right-hander recently threw a two-inning simulated game in successful fashion en route to his recovery from tightness in his right triceps.
A potentially early comeback by Yamamoto could be big for the Dodgers, who now can have him build up his arm sufficiently in time for October.
“The feeling was pretty good,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter. “Everything is starting to come together. It’s one step at a time. I’m going to throw some games in September and then we’ll see.”
Manager Dave Roberts noted that the work from Yamamoto was “positive,” adding that the Japanese ace is lined up to throw three more simulated innings before being dispatched to a rehab assignment.
Injury bug within Dodgers pitching camp apart from Yoshinobu Yamamoto
“The ball was coming out of his hand with a lot of life,” Roberts said. “He seems healthy. As long as he recovers well, we can start focusing on command and other elements.”
Unfortunately, Yamamoto isn’t the only Dodgers pitcher who has battles with injuries. Tyler Glasnow is also working his way back from right elbow tendinitis that put him on the 15-day injured list. Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan, Kyle Hurt, and River Ryan all have been ruled out for the season as recovering from several types of injuries, which include Tommy John surgery. Starter Dustin May was shut down for the year following flexor tendon and esophageal surgery.
While the Dodgers have been saddled with a myriad of issues in their rotation, vet Clayton Kershaw has emerged as an innings-eating stalwart. Walker Buehler is getting closer to a return, though his command is still spotty. Jack Flaherty, acquired at the trade deadline, has been sharp in his first two starts for the Dodgers.
Even with these injuries, the Dodgers still lead the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West by 3.5 games. As these rivals creep closer, though, the Dodgers will have to stay at the top of their performance to seal the deal for their division title.
With Yamamoto returning, it would be, without a doubt, a huge addition to the Dodger rotation and one that puts them in even greater position for making a deep playoff run.
