Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto made a highly anticipated return to the mound, delivering an impressive performance despite the team’s loss to the Chicago Cubs. In his first start since June 15, Yamamoto showcased his brilliance, pitching four innings and striking out eight batters. Although the Dodgers were unable to secure the victory, Yamamoto’s outing was a major positive takeaway from the game.
In a postgame interview, Yamamoto reflected on his performance, expressing satisfaction with how he felt on the mound. “I think I pitched today with one of the best feelings I’ve had all year,” he said, speaking in Japanese. After an extended break due to injury, his return came with a mix of excitement and nerves, but Yamamoto remained composed. “It wasn’t exactly the same as usual, given the long time away, but I tried to stay calm and approach the game with focus,” he explained.
Yamamoto’s command of his breaking ball was a highlight of the game, contributing to his eight strikeouts. He noted, “I had a really good feel for my off-speed pitches today, which helped me get those strikeouts. I want to make sure I can maintain that good feeling moving forward.”
Coming back from injury can often be unpredictable, but Yamamoto was pleasantly surprised by how well he pitched in his return. “Honestly, it was better than I expected,” he admitted. “During my rehab, I felt that my form and rhythm were improving day by day, and I think that work paid off today.”
With his return behind him, Yamamoto is now focused on building momentum. “I’m relieved that I was able to get back out there and finish the game with solid pitching. I’ll just keep working hard, day by day, and make the most of each practice,” he said. Looking ahead, Yamamoto is confident he’ll continue to perform at a high level and contribute to the team.
When asked about facing fellow pitcher Shota Imanaga in the game, Yamamoto expressed his excitement. “As I said before, I’m really happy to be playing in Major League games like this, especially when I can compete against great pitchers like Imanaga. I’m looking forward to more matchups like this in the future.”
While the Dodgers couldn’t clinch the win, Yamamoto’s return to the mound was a significant step forward, offering hope for his continued success in the remainder of the season. His performance not only highlighted his resilience but also demonstrated his potential to be a key contributor to the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
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