Yoshinobu Yamamoto Will Make One More Dodgers Start Before World Baseball Classic After Mixed Tempe Debut
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will make one more start for the Dodgers in Arizona before departing to join Team Japan for the world baseball classic, following a 1 2/3-inning spring debut in Tempe that combined an immaculate first inning with a bumpier second frame.
World Baseball Classic: Yamamoto's Path From Tempe to Tokyo
Yamamoto is slated to pitch for Japan for a second straight WBC, and camp opens in Tokyo next weekend. The Dodgers right-hander is scheduled to make one additional start in Arizona before leaving to join that camp, giving him a short window to complete his spring buildup ahead of international play.
Spring Training Debut — Clear Signs and Areas to Sharpen
In his Cactus League opener against the Angels in Tempe, Yamamoto logged 1 2/3 innings and threw 30 total pitches. The outing was a tale of two innings: a first inning that was perfect and included two strikeouts, followed by a second inning in which he yielded a double and two singles. An error in left field contributed to the frame, and two runs were charged to Yamamoto, with one counted as earned. He was removed with two outs in the second after reaching the 30-pitch mark.
Those details outline a brief but instructive sample of his early spring form. The efficient first inning showed the repertoire working at pace, while the second inning highlighted the work left to do before higher-stakes outings in Japan and back with the Dodgers.
What This Means for the Dodgers' Spring Plan
With opening day not until March 26, there is room in the calendar for Yamamoto to make additional appearances. Counting his planned work in the World Baseball Classic, the current assessment suggests he could reach at least five total starts this spring as part of his build toward the regular season.
- Tempe debut: 1 2/3 innings, 30 pitches
- First inning: perfect, two strikeouts
- Second inning: allowed a double and two singles; two runs charged, one earned; removed with two outs
- Next steps: one more Dodgers start in Arizona, then departure for Japan's WBC camp
Other roster and health notes tied to the club's spring picture include a veteran reliever being eased back from prior shoulder surgery, a minor league signing that brings additional bullpen depth, an infielder set to start the season on the injured list after ankle surgery, and another veteran infielder joining on a minor league contract with a spring invitation. Shohei Ohtani is listed as the designated hitter for the Dodgers' first two spring training games, and Yamamoto is slated to start this weekend.
Forward Look: Preparation, Timeline and Uncertainties
The plan keeps Yamamoto active but measured: one more start in Arizona, then international camp in Tokyo, then additional outings that combine spring training and World Baseball Classic work. While that sequence provides an opportunity to ramp up arm strength and game action, details of his remaining starts and the precise pacing of his workload may evolve as camp and spring play unfold. Recent updates indicate he will follow the stated plan, but specifics could change as managers and medical staff assess progress.
For fans tracking Yamamoto's return to form, the Tempe outing offered both encouragement and a reminder of the incremental nature of ramping up for a long season that now includes a major international tournament. The coming start in Arizona and the Tokyo camp will set the tone for how much early-season work he accumulates before the regular schedule resumes.
