Yamamoto Impresses in Final Spring Start Ahead of Dodgers Opening Day
In Phoenix, Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto closed spring training with an efficient outing Friday. He allowed three hits and worked five scoreless innings against the traveling half of the Padres’ split squad.
Strong final tuneup
Yamamoto focused on first-pitch strikes and testing his composure with runners on base. He struck out seven batters and began his outing with three straight strikeouts on first-pitch strikes.
The next inning featured back-to-back, one-out singles. He escaped the jam by recording two more strikeouts and finished with a smooth, efficient five-inning performance.
Next: Opening Day assignment
The right-hander is scheduled to make his next start on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. He will face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Yamamoto impressed in his final spring start, giving the Dodgers confidence as the regular season opens.
Manager’s assessment and context
Manager Dave Roberts praised the outing and Yamamoto’s array of pitches. He highlighted the life and command on the fastball and the quality of the cutter, slider, curve and splitter.
Roberts noted Yamamoto had already been the choice to lead the rotation before making it official earlier in the week. He also referenced Yamamoto’s recent meaningful work in the World Baseball Classic and his World Series MVP impact.
Roster notes and remaining decisions
Spring roster cuts on Wednesday included right-handers Kyle Hurt and River Ryan, and infielder Ryan Fitzgerald. Roberts described the conversations with cut players as difficult.
As of Friday, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland remained in a close battle for the second-base job. The Dodgers are also finalizing roles at the back end of the rotation.
Roberts expects to carry a swingman early. That pitcher would cover multiple innings in a bullpen role and later transition to a sixth-starter spot.
The game acted as a possible preview of the Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup. Roberts smiled that there were “some good players” on display during the 4-3 win.
