Yoshinobu Yamamoto fails to escape second inning, gets rocked in Los Angeles Dodgers debut
Andrew Buller-Russ
Most of MLB is still in Spring Training, but the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are already in game two of the MLB World Tour: Seoul Series. In a perfect world, Shohei Ohtani would have been the Dodgers’ opening day starter. But his absence just gave us an earlier look at Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Japanese sensation, who signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers, finally got a chance to make his official regular-season debut on Thursday, but he got off to a very rough start.
Yamamoto’s first opponent got a single; then he hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch before allowing a two-RBI triple to Jake Cronenworth.
The next batter walked, setting up Seoul native Ha-Seong Kim for a sacrifice fly to drive in another run. Yamamoto then had a wild pitch, advancing Kim to second base. Finally, Yamamoto got his first strikeout, overpowering Jurickson Profar.
But Yamamoto’s struggles weren’t over yet.
He then allowed an RBI double and an RBI single before getting his second strikeout once he reached the No. 9 hitter in the Padres’ lineup. Still, the damage was done, with the Dodgers already trailing 5-0 before they even stepped to the plate.
Yamamoto’s day was done after 43 pitches, 23 of which were strikes.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s debut stat line: 1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 45.00 ERA
The bright side is that Yamamoto’s next start couldn’t go much worse, and being that he was pulled after just 43 pitches, he should have plenty of time to rest before getting back on the mound.
Andrew Buller-Russ
Most of MLB is still in Spring Training, but the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are already in game two of the MLB World Tour: Seoul Series. In a perfect world, Shohei Ohtani would have been the Dodgers’ opening day starter. But his absence just gave us an earlier look at Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Japanese sensation, who signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers, finally got a chance to make his official regular-season debut on Thursday, but he got off to a very rough start.
Yamamoto’s first opponent got a single; then he hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch before allowing a two-RBI triple to Jake Cronenworth.
The next batter walked, setting up Seoul native Ha-Seong Kim for a sacrifice fly to drive in another run. Yamamoto then had a wild pitch, advancing Kim to second base. Finally, Yamamoto got his first strikeout, overpowering Jurickson Profar.
But Yamamoto’s struggles weren’t over yet.
He then allowed an RBI double and an RBI single before getting his second strikeout once he reached the No. 9 hitter in the Padres’ lineup. Still, the damage was done, with the Dodgers already trailing 5-0 before they even stepped to the plate.
Yamamoto’s day was done after 43 pitches, 23 of which were strikes.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s debut stat line: 1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 45.00 ERA
The bright side is that Yamamoto’s next start couldn’t go much worse, and being that he was pulled after just 43 pitches, he should have plenty of time to rest before getting back on the mound.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Dodgers News: Yoshinobu Yamamoto ‘Very Happy’ To Get First Win
Japanese pitcher Yamamoto gets 1st MLB victory for Dodgers
Japanese pitcher Yamamoto 'excited' to join LA Dodgers on 12-year contract
US media: Japanese ace pitcher Yamamoto to join LA Dodgers
Reports: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers agree to 12-year, $325 million deal
Summary
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a pre-season game against San Diego Padres was disappointing. He allowed 5 runs on 4 hits, including an RBI triple and single, and had a walk, wild pitch, and 2 strikeouts. His debut stat line: 1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 45.00 ERA.