What Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Complete Games Reveal About the Dodgers Star
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as a crucial figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation. Despite standing just 5-foot-10, the 27-year-old Japanese star has shown impressive skill and determination, highlighting his aspirations to be one of the top pitchers in baseball.
Yamamoto’s Rise in the Dodgers’ Rotation
This postseason, Yamamoto has delivered standout performances, including two complete games. The first was against the Milwaukee Brewers and the second during Game 2 of the World Series, where he led the Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. His complete game in the World Series marked a notable achievement; it was the first since Johnny Cueto accomplished the feat a decade ago.
Aiming High: Inspiration from Kershaw
Yamamoto openly admires Clayton Kershaw, the future Hall of Famer who recently announced his retirement. Yamamoto considers Kershaw not just a mentor but a benchmark for his own career. He expressed his ambition to surpass Kershaw’s legacy, which includes 223 career wins and three Cy Young Awards.
- Kershaw’s Career Highlights:
- 223 career victories
- Three-time Cy Young Award winner
- Yamamoto’s 2023 Regular Season Stats:
- 30 starts
- 12-8 record
- 2.49 earned-run average (ERA)
Postseason Heroics
Yamamoto’s performance in the postseason has elevated him from a dependable regular season starter to a pivotal player in crucial matchups. After a loss in Game 1 of the World Series, his complete game victory was essential for equalizing the series.
Facing early challenges, Yamamoto managed to retire 20 consecutive batters after giving up an early run. He adjusted his strategy mid-game by incorporating cutters, which allowed him to stay efficient and conserve his pitch count effectively.
Looking Ahead
Yamamoto’s journey includes aspirations to continue delivering dominant performances in the coming seasons. His recent achievements suggest he has the potential to become a future ace for the Dodgers.
As his career progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this level of excellence and potentially redefine what it means to be a premier pitcher in MLB.
