Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Breakdown
Performance
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April 2, 2026
Loses pitching duel
Yamamoto (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch while striking out two over six innings to take the loss versus the Guardians on Wednesday.
Analysis
The right-hander was outdueled by Gavin Williams, who struck out 10 over seven scoreless frames. Yamamoto's missteps came in the third inning, as Daniel Schneemann doubled, stole third and scored on an errant throw before Gabriel Arias went yard for a solo home run. This was still a second straight quality start for Yamamoto, who has allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over 12 frames in his first two outings of the season. The Japanese ace allowed just 14 home runs over 173.2 regular-season innings across 30 starts last season, so he should be able to get that under control after giving up a long ball in both of his starts in 2026. The Dodgers are using a six-man rotation for the week ahead, but with extra rest built in for Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto is tentatively projected to make his next start in Toronto.
March 27, 2026
Nabs Opening Day victory
Yamamoto (1-0) notched the win against Arizona on Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and no walks while striking out six batters over six innings.
Analysis
Yamamoto was rewarded for his MVP performance during last season's World Series with a second straight Opening Day start and guided the defending champs to a campaign-opening victory. He fell behind on a two-run Geraldo Perdomo homer in the fourth inning, but Los Angeles was able to storm back for four runs in the fifth, and the Japanese hurler otherwise kept the Diamondbacks from crossing home plate. Yamamoto threw 63 of 95 pitches for strikes while going just deep enough to notch a quality start. His second start is lined up to take place at home against Cleveland next week.