Dodgers Interview: Yamamoto Feels Back in Form as Dodgers Support Their Ace at Last

LOS ANGELES — For much of the season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has pitched like an ace but too often walked away empty-handed, a victim of poor run support. On Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, that finally changed.

In the opener of the Dodgers’ final homestand before the All-Star break, Yamamoto delivered seven sharp innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight in a 6–1 win over the White Sox. For the first time in a while, the bats showed up early, and Yamamoto was able to pitch with a lead from the jump.

After the game, he said he didn’t change his mindset based on the early run support, but acknowledged how helpful it was. He explained that he “went out there and pitched my innings the same as usual,” but when the offense put up four runs in the first inning, “I was able to ride that momentum and pitch with confidence from the start.”

Yamamoto has looked sharper in his last two outings than he had during a brief stretch of inconsistency. He credited a more settled weekly routine and said he’s been able to make adjustments more calmly between starts. “I had a really solid week,” he said. “I was able to follow my own pace, keep my condition steady, and make good adjustments. That allowed me to step on the mound with confidence tonight.”

Beyond the physical routine, Yamamoto said he’s rediscovering the mechanics and mindset that led to his strong starts earlier in the season. “I think I’m throwing with good form again,” he said. “More than anything, I feel like I’ve figured out what works and how to repeat it.”

That rhythm was apparent from the first pitch. His fastball command was sharp, and his signature splitter was especially effective. When asked if his recent starts have matched the level he showed in April, Yamamoto nodded and said, “I think the performances are starting to feel more like the beginning of the season. Things are coming into focus, and I know what I need to do out there.”

With the All-Star Game approaching, the question of his potential selection came up. While he didn’t want to get ahead of himself, Yamamoto acknowledged what an honor it would be. “This league is already the top level,” he said, “and the All-Star Game brings together the best of the best. Of course I want to be there. If I’m selected, it would be a great honor.”

The Dodgers gave him his eighth win of the year Tuesday night, finally matching his effort with run production. Yamamoto was especially complimentary of Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 30th home run in the fourth inning to push the lead to 6–1. Asked about Ohtani’s presence on the team, Yamamoto didn’t hesitate: “He throws amazing pitches. Watching him up close is fun, it’s inspiring, and I’m learning a lot. I want to keep learning from him and try to catch up.”

After finishing the seventh inning with 98 pitches, Yamamoto returned to the dugout and spoke briefly with manager Dave Roberts. He said he already knew his night was likely done. “I was close to my pitch limit,” he said. “When I went out for the seventh, I figured it would probably be my last inning.”

Physically, Yamamoto said he feels strong and focused on maintaining that as the summer heat builds. “The most important thing is that I feel good,” he said. “It’s going to get hotter from here, so I’ll keep paying attention to conditioning and take care of the basics.”

As he wrapped up the interview, Yamamoto smiled when asked whether he noticed anything special about the pregame festivities. “No,” he said with a chuckle. “I didn’t notice anything unusual out there.”

On a night when everything finally came together — health, mechanics, confidence, and run support — Yamamoto didn’t need the spotlight. He just needed the win. And now that he’s found his form again, the Dodgers are hoping there are plenty more like it in the second half.

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