Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching sensation, is set to make his spring training debut against the Los Angeles Angels this Saturday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed this eagerly anticipated start, which marks Yamamoto's only spring appearance before he heads off to represent Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Yamamoto, who claimed the 2025 World Series MVP, will join fellow Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani in the international tournament. Before heading to join Samurai Japan, Yamamoto will take the mound for L.A. The Japanese team began their training in Miyazaki on February 14, gearing up for pool play starting March 4 and culminating in the championship game on March 17 in Miami at LoanDepot Park.
With odds at +320, Team Japan is a strong contender in the WBC, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Yamamoto has been preparing in Arizona since early February, already facing live batters in workouts.
Will Yamamoto continue his postseason dominance? The right-hander, selected for Japan’s roster in January, is among eight major leaguers representing their country. Joining him are stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi, Seiya Suzuki, Yuki Matsui, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, and Tomoyuki Sugano.
Yamamoto is expected to lead Japan’s rotation, having established himself as a premier pitcher. Last season, he dazzled with a 5-1 record, a 1.45 ERA, and 33 strikeouts over 37 innings in six postseason appearances. His performance in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series was pivotal in securing the Dodgers' ninth franchise title.
The Dodgers kick off their Cactus League schedule against the Angels at 1:10 pm PT at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with Yamamoto poised to set the tone for L.A.'s spring campaign.