Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been sidelined due to tightness in the triceps of his pitching arm. The 25-year-old pitcher, in his first year in the majors after signing a lucrative contract, was placed on the 15-day injured list before Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals.
Manager Dave Roberts stated that Yamamoto will undergo testing to assess the extent of the injury and determine a recovery timeline. With a record of 6-2 and an impressive 2.92 ERA, Yamamoto's health is a top priority for the team as they approach the crucial part of the season.
Yamamoto had to exit Saturday night's game against the Royals after just two innings. He mentioned that the tightness had resurfaced during warm-ups, despite feeling fine for most of the day. This issue had also caused a delay in his previous start against the Texas Rangers.
Despite his recent success, including a standout performance against the New York Yankees, where he threw seven innings of two-hit ball, the Dodgers have been cautious with Yamamoto's pitch count. Coming from a background where he was accustomed to throwing over 120 pitches in Japan, the team is mindful of managing his workload effectively.
With Bobby Miller returning to the rotation and Clayton Kershaw set for a rehab start, the Dodgers are making adjustments to ensure a strong pitching staff. The team currently boasts the seventh-lowest ERA in the majors at 3.49.
In addition to Yamamoto, right-hander Michael Grove was also placed on the injured list due to a right intercostal strain. To fill the roster gaps, right-handers J.P. Feyereisen and Michael Petersen have been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City. This move led to Joe Kelly being transferred to the 60-day IL to accommodate Petersen on the 40-man roster.
As the Dodgers navigate these pitching challenges, they remain focused on maintaining their competitive edge as they progress through the season.
Source: AP MLB
