Los Angeles Dodgers’ star right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is enjoying a solid debut season in the majors, has been sidelined with a strained rotator cuff. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the diagnosis on Sunday, noting that while the injury is serious, it is not season-ending.
Initially believed to be a case of triceps tightness, further tests revealed the strain in Yamamoto’s rotator cuff. The Dodgers acted swiftly, placing him on the 15-day injured list before their 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. “It’s just going to take time and rest. It’s not season-ending,” Roberts assured reporters.
Yamamoto, 25, has been a key addition to the Dodgers’ rotation this year after signing a record-breaking $325 million, 12-year contract to join from Japan. With a 6-2 record and a 2.92 ERA, he has quickly become a reliable arm for Los Angeles. Despite his transition to the MLB, Yamamoto has shown resilience and consistency, reflected in his recent performances, including a seven-inning, two-hit effort against the Yankees on June 7.
His departure from Saturday’s game against Kansas City after just two innings sparked concern, especially given his history of tightness that led to the postponement of his previous start. Through an interpreter, Yamamoto mentioned that while the tightness had subsided for most of Saturday, it returned during warm-ups.
“We’re still learning a lot about him,” Roberts said. “The most important time of the season is yet to come, so his health is paramount. Being proactive and placing him on the IL seemed like the smartest thing.”
To manage Yamamoto’s absence, the Dodgers will maintain their rotation with Bobby Miller stepping in for Wednesday’s game at Colorado, and Clayton Kershaw scheduled for a rehab start this week. The team’s rotation remains strong, boasting the seventh-lowest ERA in the majors at 3.49 before Sunday’s game.
In related moves, the Dodgers placed right-hander Michael Grove on the IL with an intercostal strain and called up right-handers J.P. Feyereisen and Michael Petersen from Triple-A Oklahoma City. To accommodate Petersen on the 40-man roster, Joe Kelly was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Yamamoto’s injury is a significant blow, but with proper rest and rehabilitation, he is expected to return to form as the Dodgers gear up for the crucial stages of the season.
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