Dodgers Interview: Yama looks to Tuesday with a new look, same attitude
MILWAUKEE — The NLCS opens in Milwaukee, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the ball Tuesday for Game 2. He met the media on Monday sounding steady, thoughtful, and ready for the next assignment. Nothing flashy. Just preparation, respect for the opponent, and a clear plan. He also talked about what it means to share a rotation with another ace and how he adjusted after his last outing.
Asked about joining forces with Blake Snell this year, Yamamoto didn’t hide the admiration. “He has won the Cy Young twice, so being in the same rotation and being teammates is something I’m very happy about,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from him, especially after games when we review what happened. For the team he’s a strong presence, and for me he’s a very big one.”
He said Snell’s arrival changed the whole staff. “The depth has really increased,” Yamamoto said. “In every way he’s a big presence for us.”
The questions turned to his last start and what changes he’ll carry into Tuesday. He was direct. “Last time it didn’t go well, but I think I can pitch differently now,” he said. “Milwaukee’s lineup connects well and can hit homers in big spots. They’re a good lineup, no question, but I can’t afford to lose. I want to throw with everything I have so the team can win.”
There was a lighter moment about a fresh trim. Yamamoto smiled and explained the timing. “After the last outing my hair got pretty long because I couldn’t get to the hospital for a cut,” he said. “I made it a little darker. It wasn’t because of the result, but if it helps change the flow in a good way, that would be nice.”
He broke down the fixes from Philadelphia in plain terms. “There wasn’t one big bad thing,” he said. “In the inning I gave up runs, I fell behind in the count and then left a pitch over the middle for a home run. After that some balls were a little too sweet and found holes. So I want to focus on the basics of pitching—height and location—and value those fundamentals.”
A reporter noted the curveball and splitter didn’t get chases in that game and asked if it was stuff or approach. Yamamoto balanced both. “The opponent’s plan was part of it,” he said. “But if I throw quality balls, I can get whiffs. In that game some pitches were obvious balls or missed too far. There were small technical things I couldn’t fix during the game. I worked on them this week, and tomorrow I want to pitch with confidence.”
Postseason usage can be quick, but his approach won’t change. “From the regular season I’ve tried to go inning by inning,” he said. “From the first inning I go at full strength. There’s no ‘taking a little off,’ so what I do won’t change.”
He spoke with gratitude about playing October baseball again. “It’s something I’m very thankful for,” Yamamoto said. “Watching my teammates, there were so many great plays. I feel a lot of respect for them. I want to do anything I can as one of them and contribute to the team.”
Being lined up with Snell for the first two games carries weight. He welcomed it. “To be entrusted with such an important game is an honor,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be that kind of player. I’m very happy, and in the game I’ve been given I want to produce a good result. I’ll pitch with one goal, which is to win.”
He circled back to the learning loop he values. “After games we review and I get new things to work on,” he said. “It’s more about the game than the between-starts routine. That’s where I learn the most.”
And finally, the bottom line for Tuesday. “I think I can pitch differently now,” Yamamoto said. “They’re a good lineup. I can’t let us lose. I’ll throw with everything so the team can win.”
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
