Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is optimistic about returning to the field this season, though there’s no specific timeline for his comeback.
“I’m aiming to make a comeback as soon as possible,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter before Sunday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
Yamamoto was moved to the 60-day injured list last week, meaning he won’t be eligible to return until at least mid-August.
These pregame remarks were Yamamoto’s first media appearance since he was placed on the IL on June 16 due to a strained rotator cuff. Initially, the injury was described as tightness in his triceps before further evaluation confirmed the strain.
The 25-year-old Yamamoto, in his debut MLB season after leaving Japan, signed a historic $325 million, 12-year contract.
Yamamoto mentioned that he isn’t experiencing any shoulder pain or discomfort. He plans to play catch on Monday and stretch it out to around 200 feet. If all goes well, manager Dave Roberts hopes Yamamoto can resume his throwing regimen.
“I don’t have a specific timeline for when he’ll start throwing bullpen sessions. I watched him from a distance yesterday, and his throwing motion looked good,” Roberts said.
Before his injury, Yamamoto had a 6-2 record with a 2.92 ERA. On June 7 against the New York Yankees, he pitched seven innings of two-hit baseball, throwing 106 pitches, marking the fourth consecutive outing where he surpassed 100 pitches.
“There’s some frustration, but the main thing is to stay focused on rehab and prepare myself for a return,” Yamamoto commented.
“I need to continue working closely with the trainers and follow their guidance in my preparation.”
The Dodgers’ pitching rotation has been shorthanded over the past month without Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow (back tightness), and Walker Buehler (right hip inflammation).
