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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shares key update on Shohei Ohtani’s teammate’s recovery

Shohei Ohtani's teammate returns to action, strengthening the Los Angeles Dodgers as Dave Roberts shares encouraging news

Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
© Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesManager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

The Los Angeles Dodgers got a boost of positive energy Wednesday with the announcement of the return of right-hander and teammate Shohei Ohtani. Team principal Dave Roberts made an important statement regarding the player’s recovery.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has been on the injured list since mid-June with a rotator cuff strain, will rejoin the team next week and start Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

With 22 games remaining in the regular season, the Dodgers are still awaiting the return of Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and Clayton Kershaw (toe), though it’s uncertain if either will be fully recovered for the postseason. Yamamoto’s return adds depth to a rotation that already includes Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Bobby Miller, and Gavin Stone.

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“I think the stuff will be there,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Yamamoto via MLB.com, who’s made two minor-league rehab starts. “I’m not sure how the command is going to be. So the way we’re looking at it is that we’re going to get four starts from him before the postseason, and if we can log four starts and build up volume, we’ll be ready to go beyond that.”

Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up before the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 01, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up before the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 01, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Yamamoto will have a pitch limit in his return

In his two rehab starts at Triple-A, Yamamoto threw 31 and 53 pitches, so he will have a pitch limit in his first start back from the injured list next week. It’s estimated he will be able to throw between 65 and 70 pitches. In his last outing, he threw 53 pitches in just two innings, partly because veteran catcher Omar Narvaez made things difficult with a 17-pitch at-bat.

The Dodgers will use him as a limited starter

The Dodgers needed a temporary starter for next Tuesday, and in essence, Yamamoto, with a pitch limit, will be the first pitcher in what will function as a bullpen game. He is expected to pitch three or four innings, after which the bullpen will take over. Los Angeles will use right-hander Landon Knack as a temporary starter next Friday to give all pitchers extra rest.

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Yamamoto had shown great form before the injury

The 26-year-old Yamamoto had a 2.92 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 14 starts and 74 innings before the shoulder injury. This includes a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts after his rough MLB debut in the Seoul Series, where he allowed five runs in one inning. The Dodgers signed him to a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract last offseason.

The Dodgers maintain the best record in baseball with 84 wins and 56 losses and have a 4.5-game lead in the NL West. Yamamoto’s return further strengthens their rotation and boosts their chances heading into the postseason.

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Alexander Rosquez is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, who joined Bolavip in June 2024. With a degree in Social Communication and a specialization in sports, Alexander brings over 15 years of media experience. He completed his academic studies in Zulia, Venezuela. Throughout his career, Alexander has covered a wide range of sports events, including soccer, MLB, and NBA. His expertise lies in real-time coverage of competitions across various globally relevant sports leagues. Prior to joining Bolavip, Alexander gained extensive experience in MLB and soccer coverage for both national and international media outlets. His discipline in sports event coverage and meticulous attention to detail make him a valuable asset to the Bolavip team. Alexander’s passion for sports and his clear, precise communication style set him apart as a standout writer in the sports arena.

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