TOKYO — While all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani’s return to two-way play, the Dodgers may have another Japanese star poised for greatness on the mound.
In the team’s 4-1 Opening Day victory over the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a performance that hinted at Cy Young potential.
A Strong Start to 2025
Despite being limited to just five innings—his workload carefully managed due to the early season start—Yamamoto showed why coaches and teammates were raving about his offseason transformation.
His fastball velocity was up, averaging nearly 97 mph, a notable jump from last year.
He exuded greater confidence on the mound.
He held the Cubs to just one run on three hits and a walk, while striking out four.
His splitter was sharp, and he kept hitters off balance by mixing in an occasional curveball.
Even when faced with early challenges—a malfunctioning PitchCom device and a pitch-clock violation that led to a leadoff walk—Yamamoto remained composed, escaping the first inning unscathed.
A Different Pitcher in Year Two
The right-hander looked far removed from the shaky debut he endured last season, when he lasted just one inning and gave up five runs against the San Diego Padres in South Korea. Instead, his command and poise resembled the October ace who dominated the Padres in the deciding game of the NLDS.
However, questions remain. Yamamoto’s shoulder issues sidelined him for nearly three months last year, and his arm carries the wear and tear of eight seasons with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan. While Ohtani and fellow newcomer Roki Sasaki may have more imposing frames, Yamamoto could prove to be the most effective of the three.
If Tuesday night was any indication, he has the potential to make history—he just has to do it again and again.
