Yamamoto’s Injury Recovery Journey
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been on the 60-day injured list since mid-June after suffering a right shoulder rotator cuff strain. His recovery process has been closely monitored, and after weeks of rehabilitation and bullpen sessions, Yamamoto is now ready to take the next significant step in his recovery.
Scheduled Rehab Start in Triple-A
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Yamamoto will make his first rehab start in Triple-A this Wednesday. This marks a crucial point in his recovery as he aims to regain his form and rejoin the major league roster. The Dodgers are hopeful that this rehab assignment will set the stage for Yamamoto’s return to the team by mid-September.
Last MLB Appearance and Simulated Game
Yamamoto last pitched for the Dodgers on June 15, before his injury sidelined him. Since then, he has been working diligently to return to full strength. Last week, he participated in a simulated game, throwing 17 pitches and reaching a top velocity of 151 km/h. This performance was a positive sign, indicating that he is on track for a full recovery.
A Season of High Expectations
Yamamoto joined the Dodgers last offseason on a blockbuster 12-year, $325 million contract. Expectations were high for the 26-year-old, who has lived up to the hype so far. In 14 starts this season, Yamamoto has compiled a 6-2 record with a stellar 2.92 ERA. He has struck out 84 batters in 74 innings while holding opponents to a .221 batting average and a 1.07 WHIP.
Yu Darvish’s Return to Action
Meanwhile, Yu Darvish, another prominent Japanese pitcher, is also making strides in his return from injury. The 38-year-old right-hander for the San Diego Padres has been dealing with a left groin strain, which, along with personal matters, kept him away from the team for some time. However, Darvish returned to the Padres last week and is gradually working his way back to game readiness.
Simulated Game Performance
Darvish took the mound in a simulated game today, where he pitched three innings and threw 54 pitches, recording 13 outs. This outing was an important step for Darvish, as he looks to build up his stamina and regain his command before returning to the major league roster.
Darvish’s 2024 Season So Far
Before his injury, Darvish had made 11 starts this season, posting a 4-3 record with a solid 3.20 ERA. In 56.1 innings, he struck out 53 batters, demonstrating his enduring effectiveness on the mound. His last appearance in an MLB game was on May 29, and the Padres are eager to have him back in the rotation as they push for a playoff spot.
Looking Ahead
Both Yamamoto and Darvish are key players for their respective teams, and their successful returns could significantly impact the Dodgers’ and Padres’ playoff aspirations. As Yamamoto embarks on his rehab assignment and Darvish continues to work his way back, fans and teams alike will be closely watching their progress.(jili)