When will Yoshinobu Yamamoto return? Manager Dave Roberts reveals Triple-A assignment for Japanese pitcher
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed on Sunday that pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start his rehab assignment. According to journalist Fabian Ardaya, Roberts said the Japanese pitcher will begin with Triple-A side Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
This comes after Roberts told reporters on Friday that Yamamoto remains on track for a mid-September return.
"I think so," Roberts said on Yoshinobu's possible return in September, per Dodgers Nation. "Yeah, if it's the three innings, and then he goes out and does three or four innings on rehab, and then we'll be able to make a decision."
In June, the $375 million Dodgers' offseason signing suffered a strained rotator cuff. He was put on 15-day IL and has been sidelined ever since. But Yoshinobu started throwing simulated innings last week as he ramps up his recovery.
The Dodgers have faced a lot of pitcher injuries this year. Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler are two more players who have been out due to injuries.
However, with the start of these rehab assignments, Yamamoto is one step closer to making his comeback soon and helping out his team in their quest to win the World Series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto shares positive update on his injury recovery
The LA Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto has shared some positive updates on his current condition. He threw two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday as part of his recovery process and the 26-year-old was very excited about his recent progress.
Although the player failed to mention a particular return date, he seemed optimistic to get back on the mound by September.
“The feeling was pretty good. Everything is starting to come all together…It's one thing at a time. I'm going to throw some games in September and then let's see,” Yoshinobu said per ESPN.
The Dodgers will surely be excited about this recent development and will hope to have the Japanese pitcher back before the end of the regular season.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto had been pitching well before being sidelined due to the injury. He's played 14 games so far this season, with a 6-2 record, 2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts.