Story by
Yoshinobu Yamamoto to take the ball on opening day vs. Diamondbacks
- Story by
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto to take the ball on opening day vs. Diamondbacks
MESA, Ariz. –– Last fall, Yoshinobu Yamamoto collected the final outs of the Dodgers ' World Series title defense.
Now, as the team embarks on a historic three-peat bid in 2026, the Japanese right-hander will be the first to return to the bump as the opening-day starter on March 26.
10/26/24 New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium — World Series Game 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during the third inning. (Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post) Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday that Yamamoto will get the nod in the Dodgers' regular-season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks later this month. It marks the second consecutive season that Yamamoto receives the opening day honor, after pitching in the team's Tokyo opener last March.
Advertisement
"It is a pretty easy decision," Roberts said. "It's an honor to be the Opening Day starter."
It also further cements his status as the ace of the team's pitching staff, coming off a 2025 season in which he was a Cy Young Award finalist and World Series MVP .
Last year, Yamamoto was the Dodgers' most effective pitcher during the regular season, leading the team in starts (30), wins (12–8 record), and ERA (2.49) while finishing third in Cy Young voting.
He was also their most clutch performer on either side of the ball in the playoffs, posting a 5–1 record and 1.45 ERA in a tour-de-force October that included two complete games and his World Series Game 7 heroics out of the bullpen on zero days' rest.
Advertisement
That heavy workload hasn't had any ill effects on Yamamoto's ramp-up for the start of this season.
He bulked up his body over the offseason. He came into camp ahead of schedule in preparation for the World Baseball Classic . And in two starts with Team Japan, he pitched well, allowing just two runs over 6 ⅔ innings while striking out seven batters.
"Part of being a gamer, being a great competitor in big moments, is the preparation," Roberts said earlier this week of Yamamoto, praising the unique training program that has helped him adapt to the majors and unlock the potential of his undersized 5-foot-10 frame. "When you prepare the right way, that eliminates a lot of doubt and fear. For me, that's the core of who Yoshinobu is. That's what we're trying to get all of our guys to feel that same way."
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto addresses the media during day two of spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Saturday, February 14, 2026. Photo By: JASON SZENES/ NY POST JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Yamamoto becomes the Dodgers' first repeat opening day starter since Clayton Kershaw did it in eight consecutive seasons from 2011–2018.
Advertisement
Last year, he pitched five innings in the team's Tokyo season-opener against the Chicago Cubs , giving up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out four.
"He started for us last year on the road (in Tokyo)," Roberts said. "But for him to get that start on Opening Day at home I think it's going to be special."
Entering the final week of camp, there are still questions about how the Dodgers will line up the rest of their opening day rotation behind Yamamoto.
Tyler Glasnow will be in the group, as will Shohei Ohtani –– who returned to Dodgers camp from the WBC on Monday, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session later this week, and remains on track to be built up to 3-4 innings by the start of the regular season despite having not yet pitched in a real game this spring.
Advertisement
Beyond that, however, there remains competition.
Roberts said the Dodgers will open the year with a five-man rotation instead of six, given the abundance of off days the team is scheduled to have during the first couple weeks.
The last two spots seem likely to go to Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan , but Roberts said Justin Wrobleski and River Ryan remain in the mix, as well.
If Wrobleski doesn't make the rotation, he would likely serve as a multi-inning option of the bullpen, perhaps capable of piggybacking with Ohtani as he builds up to full-length outings.
Ryan, meanwhile, could wind up in triple-A to begin the year despite his impressive 1.86 ERA this spring. The Dodgers are still trying to be mindful of his workload as he returns from Tommy John surgery, and could elect to ease him into the year as they manage what will be a limited workload for him this season.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook
, Instagram
, TikTok
, X
, YouTube
, WhatsApp
, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook
, Instagram
, TikTok
, YouTube
, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood
:
Sign up here!
