LA Dodgers name Yoshinobu Yamamoto MLB opening-day…
MESA, Ariz. –– Last fall, Yoshinobu Yamamoto collected the ultimate outs of the Dodgers’ World Series title protection.
Now, as the workforce embarks on a historic three-peat bid in 2026, the Japanese right-hander would be the first to return to the bump as the opening-day starter on March 26.
10/26/24 New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium — World Series Game 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during the third inning. (Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post)
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday that Yamamoto will get the nod in the Dodgers’ regular-season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks later this month. It marks the second consecutive season that Yamamoto receives the opening day honor, after pitching in the workforce’s Tokyo opener last March.
It also additional cements his standing as the ace of the workforce’s pitching workers, coming off a 2025 season in which he was a Cy Young Award finalist and World Series MVP.
Last 12 months, Yamamoto was the Dodgers’ most efficient pitcher during the common season, main the workforce in begins (30), wins (12–8 file), and ERA (2.49) while ending third in Cy Young voting.
He was also their most clutch performer on either aspect of the ball in the playoffs, posting a 5–1 file and 1.45 ERA in a tour-de-force October that included two full video games and his World Series Game 7 heroics out of the bullpen on zero days’ relaxation.
That heavy workload hasn’t had any ailing results on Yamamoto’s ramp-up for the start of this season.
He bulked up his physique over the offseason. He got here into camp forward of schedule in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. And in two begins with Team Japan, he pitched effectively, permitting just two runs over 6 ⅔ innings while putting out seven batters.
“Part of being a gamer, being a great competitor in big moments, is the preparation,” Roberts said earlier this week of Yamamoto, praising the distinctive training program that has helped him adapt to the majors and unlock the potential of his undersized 5-foot-10 body. “When you prepare the right way, that eliminates a lot of doubt and fear. For me, that’s the core of who Yoshinobu is. That’s what we’re trying to get all of our guys to feel that same way.”
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto addresses the media during day two of spring training exercises at Camelback Ranch Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Saturday, February 14, 2026. Photo By: JASON SZENES/ NY POST JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Yamamoto turns into the Dodgers’ first repeat opening day starter since Clayton Kershaw did it in eight consecutive seasons from 2011–2018.
Last 12 months, he pitched 5 innings in the workforce’s Tokyo season-opener against the Chicago Cubs, giving up one run on one hit and one stroll while putting out 4.
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