11:58 p.m.: There is a “high probability” the Dodgers will place Yamamoto on the 15-day injured list, Roberts told reporters (including DiGiovanna) after the game. Roberts went on to note that he “wasn't part of that conversation” when Yamamoto talked to the coaching staff about fitness during pregame warmups, adding that “there was never a time” when the Dodgers brass felt like he couldn't make his start.
11:09 p.m.: Yamamoto told reporters (including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times) that his start was pushed back due to tightness in his triceps. He heard it again while preparing for his start and mentioned it to the Dodgers coaches but didn't think it was “bad enough” to scratch from the start. DiGiovanna added that Yamamoto does not believe the issue is serious, although he may have an MRI tomorrow.
8:57 p.m.: Right-handed Dodgers Yoshinobu Yamamoto exited his start against the Royals tonight after just two innings with what the club called a triceps strain. He was replaced by a right-hander Michael Grove to start the third inning. As noted by MLB.com's Juan Toribio, Yamamoto's velocity was down during his shortened outing. The righty's fastball clocked in at 92.9 mph, nearly three ticks below his average of 95.7 mph so far this season.
The short start is especially noteworthy given the fact that the Dodgers pushed back Yamamoto's start earlier this week. He was originally slated to start against the Rangers on Thursday before being ruled out for today's game against Kansas City. Manager Dave Roberts did not indicate at the time of the announcement that the club had concerns about Yamamoto's possible injury, instead noting that he was putting more rest into his schedule as he made the transition to hitting once a week in Nippon Professional Baseball. every five days in MLB.
While the severity of Yamamoto's injury is still unclear, it would not be surprising to see the Dodgers opt to place Yamamoto on the 15-day disabled list following the game. The 25-year-old pitcher was the second most coveted free agent last season behind only his teammates. Shohei Ohtani because of his youth and his great talent. The sweepstakes for his services ended in late December of last year when he signed a 12-year deal with the Dodgers worth $325MM.–a perfect record for any full time grinder. Given LA's significant investment in Yamamoto, it's understandable that the club has acted cautiously and prioritized the right-hander's long-term health.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, replacing Yamamoto in the rotation should be a seamless endeavor for the club if it ends up being necessary. The right hand Bobby Miller He is scheduled to be returned to the injured list next Wednesday after missing the past two months with shoulder inflammation. Miller, who sports a 3.90 ERA and 3.54 FIP in 25 starts since making his major league debut last May, could enter the club's rotation on the sidelines. Tyler Glasnow, James Paxton, Walker Buehleragain Gavin Stone without significant hiccups.
Still, the loss of Yamamoto at any time would be a significant blow. After a rough start in his big league game against the Padres during the Korea Series in which he gave up five runs while recording just three strikeouts, the right fielder looked good. In 71 innings over his last 12 starts, Yamamoto posted a 2.41 ERA with a 28.5% strikeout rate and just a 5.3% walk rate. Yamamoto paired those strong ratings with a solid 48.7% ground ball rate. That kind of dominant production is hard to replace, even for a club with the second-best ERA in the National League behind only the Phillies.
While details regarding Yamamoto's injury are scarce at this time, it is important to note that the elbow injury may trigger a clause in his contract that changes his out dates. Yamamoto's contract reportedly includes opt-outs after the 2029 and '31 seasons, but only if he undergoes Tommy John surgery or spends at least 134 consecutive days in the IL with his right elbow problem before making his 2029 debut . , his chances of going out will be delayed until after the 2031 and '33 seasons.
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