There was only one ace that clocked in to the Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants game, and it was not Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Logan Webb performed admirably, allowing just two runs in seven outstanding innings.
Yamamoto was outmatched in this duel, giving up five runs over four and a half innings in the Dodgers’ 6-2 loss. The defeat left both teams tied for first place in the National League West with identical 41-29 records after the series opener.
Will there be consequences for Yamamoto as a result of this?
Manager Dave Roberts Addresses Speculations About Change in Managing Yamamoto
In a video uploaded by Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation on X, Roberts provided an answer to reporters who asked if there would be any changes regarding Yamamoto in the future.
Roberts said, “I don’t think so. He’s our best pitcher right now. The adjustment period has already passed, and he’s got to take the baseball. He’ll be on an extra next time.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s ERA with 5+ days: 4.46. His ERA with 6+ days rest: 0.90. Dave Roberts on any changes:
“I don’t think so. He’s our best pitcher right now. The adjustment period has already passed, and he’s got to take the baseball. He’ll be on an extra next time.” pic.twitter.com/LaAZrdBWKw
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) June 14, 2025
This outing made Dodger fans remember his MLB debut on March 21, 2024, which was equally disappointing.
Yamamoto posted video game-like numbers with the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball, which helped him secure a record 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, Yamamoto attracted attention for a very different reason the first time he pitched in an MLB game. In March of last year, he pitched just one inning against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. After one major league start, his ERA was 45.00 after giving up five runs.
However, following this early blunder, Yamamoto had a strong season with the Dodgers.
In 2024, he pitched 89 additional innings and made 17 more starts, and by the end of the season, his ERA had dropped to 3.00. He was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees and played a significant role in the Dodgers’ postseason victory.
A year ago, when he was still adjusting to the transition from NPB to MLB, Yamamoto was a different pitcher.
He pitched 90 innings last season, striking out 105 batters and posting a 1.11 WHIP, though injuries limited his time on the mound. He went 7-2 in 18 regular-season starts and added 18⅔ innings in three postseason outings.
From 2017 to 2023, Yamamoto, drafted in the fourth round in 2016, pitched for the Buffaloes in Japan, compiling a 70-29 record with a 1.82 ERA over 897 innings. Despite his success overseas, his first year in the majors has required plenty of adjustments.
Los Angeles will try to even the series tomorrow with Clayton Kershaw on the mound, while the Giants will send right-hander Landen Roupp to go for the series win.