The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in the offseason by signing 25-year-old Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto for a record-breaking $325 million, despite his lack of experience in the major leagues. Yamamoto, known for his impressive 1.16 ERA in Japan last season, showcased his exceptional athletic abilities during a recent game against the Washington Nationals.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Yamamoto faced a challenging situation when he threw a hanging changeup that was promptly hit back at him by Eddie Rosario with an exit velocity of 104.8 miles per hour. Displaying cat-like reflexes, Yamamoto managed to get his glove in front of his face just in time to make a miraculous out, preventing a potentially serious injury.
Following this incredible defensive play, Yamamoto continued to impress on the mound by striking out the next two batters and delivering a stellar performance, pitching six scoreless innings, striking out seven, walking one, and allowing only four hits.
This display of skill and composure under pressure is a testament to Yamamoto's talent and potential in the major leagues. It is worth noting that in a previous incident, pitcher Anthony Misiewicz suffered a serious injury after being hit by a 100-mph liner, highlighting the dangers that pitchers face on the field.
Yamamoto's journey in the MLB has been a mix of highs and lows, with a rocky debut where he allowed five earned runs in just one inning. However, he quickly bounced back with back-to-back scoreless outings before facing some challenges in subsequent games. Despite these fluctuations, Yamamoto has maintained a respectable 3.58 ERA, demonstrating his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level of baseball.
