Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts has announced that starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will head back to Arizona after his World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinal start. Yamamoto, a key figure for Team Japan, is set to face Team Venezuela, who finished second in Pool D following a tight loss to the Dominican Republic.
In his previous WBC appearance, Yamamoto pitched against Chinese Taipei, delivering 2.2 innings and striking out two batters. Japan dominated their pool, winning all four games in Group C, which secured them a favorable draw in the knockout rounds.
With an 80-pitch limit for this game, Yamamoto is primed to make a significant impact. The tournament rules impose pitch caps, with 65 pitches allowed in group stages, 80 in quarterfinals, and 95 in semifinals and the championship.
Yamamoto is an obvious choice for Team Samurai in these crucial rounds. His stellar performance in 2025, boasting a 2.49 ERA over 30 starts and surpassing 200 strikeouts for the first time in MLB, speaks volumes about his talent. He continued his dominance in the postseason, conceding just six earned runs over 37.1 innings and earning the World Series MVP title.
The decision for Yamamoto to return is strategic. If he starts in the first knockout game, recovery time before the final would be insufficient, preventing him from pitching again in the tournament. While he has shown the ability to pitch on short rest, the Dodgers are likely prioritizing his health and readiness for their camp.
Regarding his Spring Training performances, Yamamoto had two starts in the Cactus League, pitching 4.2 innings with three earned runs and seven strikeouts. The Dodgers are keen to refine his form further as they prepare for the regular season. As their World Series hero, Yamamoto is expected to lead a pitching staff aiming for the Dodgers’ first three-peat.