The Tokyo Dome was packed with roaring fans as Shohei Ohtani stepped up to bat for the first time in a Dodgers jersey. However, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto prepared to pitch on the mound a different vibe swept through the stadium. It wasn’t merely nostalgia in the air—there was the pure thrill over a pitcher who had stepped up to showcase his skills and make a statement.
In his homeland’s spotlight, Yamamoto didn’t just throw the ball. He controlled the entire game. His fastball sizzled at 98 mph. His breaking stuff snapped with precision. Over five innings, he allowed just one run and three hits, silencing any lingering doubts from his inconsistent rookie campaign in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won, but perhaps more importantly, Yamamoto’s dominance ignited a conversation: could he be the first of L.A.’s Japanese trio—Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki—to claim a Cy Young Award?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts certainly thinks so.
“I think that last year to this year, the confidence, the conviction that he has in throwing the fastball in the strike zone is much, much more convicted.” Roberts said. “And so you saw that tonight. And so if he can do that, obviously (with) health, I see no reason why he won’t be in the Cy Young conversation this season.” That’s certainly a big vote of confidence – and it was well-warranted. Yamamoto’s abilities were fully evident in Tokyo—he attacked hitters, trusted his stuff, and worked with an efficiency that often eluded him last season.
Jun 7, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) reacts after giving up a double to New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
That’s why his Tokyo start felt like a turning point. The skill was always there, but now the poise and command seem to have caught up. His mechanics are tighter, his confidence is sharper, and if his velocity holds, he could be a nightmare for hitters all season long.
Of course, health remains the biggest question. The Dodgers will likely monitor his workload. But if Yamamoto can avoid another extended stint on the IL, he has every tool needed to be not just an ace—but an award-winning one. And with Ohtani sidelined from pitching and Roki Sasaki still adjusting to MLB life, Yamamoto might just be the first of the Dodgers’ Japanese trio to bring home a Cy Young. And in his bid for the same, the Dodgers’ skipper’s roster allocation method might just play a key role.
Matchups matter: Dave Roberts’ approach to position battles
Dave Roberts is hesitant to designate starters for two key positions and he is doing it internally. The Dodgers have always valued adaptability and make use of matchups analytics and players in good form to enhance their lineup rather than pigeonholing one player into a fixed role. Essentially, Roberts opts to maximize performance by choosing the most suitable player for a specific opponent. It’s a modern approach that’s worked well for L.A. in the past. But does it mean uncertainty for key players, or is it simply smart roster management?
Roberts focuses on helping the Dodgers gain an advantage by mixing up his lineup strategy depending on the pitcher they’re facing. The situation at hand. Sometimes opting for a left-handed hitter against a tough right-handed pitcher and other times prioritizing defense with specific players in key matchups.
Now, this flexible strategy keeps opponents on their toes. It also gives players opportunities to showcase their skills on the field. But with stars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani locked into everyday roles, the ongoing battles at certain positions will test the Dodgers’ depth and Roberts’ ability to make the right calls at the right time.
As the season unfolds, will this strategy give the Dodgers a competitive advantage? Or will it create instability in the lineup? More importantly, how will Yamamoto fare for it? Let’s discuss.
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