Steve Webb
ROUND ROCK, TX — In his first rehab start with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto showed promising signs of a strong return to the mound. After undergoing a long recovery from his shoulder injury, Yamamoto was looking to regain his form and confidence, and this outing was an essential step in his recovery process.
Yamamoto expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting how he felt more comfortable as the game progressed. “I was glad that I was able to pitch without any issues today,” he stated. “I felt better in the second inning than in the first, and I learned a lot from being back in game action.” His initial nerves were evident, but he quickly settled into his rhythm.
Throughout the game, Yamamoto’s velocity and command improved, a crucial factor in his overall recovery. “Initially, my velocity wasn’t there, but as I continued to pitch, I felt my command and speed returning,” he explained. Yamamoto’s ability to strike out batters with his splitter was particularly noteworthy, though he acknowledged that not every pitch was perfect. “Some pitches weren’t exactly where I wanted them to be, but it’s something I can work on with more game experience.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen staff and fans were encouraged by Yamamoto’s performance. He was met with cheers from the crowd, which clearly boosted his morale. “It was great to pitch in front of the fans again. It made me feel even more eager to return to the team soon,” Yamamoto remarked.
Looking ahead, Yamamoto is set for at least one more rehab appearance before potentially rejoining the Dodgers. He remains optimistic and determined, focusing on each step of his recovery process. “I want to return as soon as possible, but I’m making sure to take things step by step,” he concluded.
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