The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to place rookie starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the 15-day injured list after he exited a game against the Kansas City Royals early due to triceps tightness. This is Yamamoto’s first time being sidelined due to an injury during his Major League Baseball career.
On Saturday, Yamamoto pitched two innings for the Dodgers in their loss to the Royals. He signaled to the coaching staff about the discomfort in his triceps, leading to his removal from the game as a precaution. Although he had thrown over 100 pitches in each of his previous four starts, Yamamoto was looking forward to facing the Texas Rangers on Thursday before being moved up one day for additional rest. Unfortunately, he was only able to pitch 28 pitches in Saturday’s game before leaving due to injury.
As one of Japan’s most accomplished pitchers, Yamamoto joined the Dodgers this season on a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract. In his 14 starts with the team, he has shown great promise with a 2.92 ERA, 1.068 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts in 74 innings pitched. Despite his absence, the Dodgers remain in a strong position in the NL West with a seven-game lead over second-place San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers are also preparing for right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller’s return from the injured list as he is set to face off against Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Meanwhile, veteran Clayton Kershaw is scheduled for a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga as he continues his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery that has kept him out of play this season.
