Yoshinobu Yamamoto injury update: Japanese ace gets closer to return after latest simulated bullpen session
On Friday, Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw 17 pitches against live hitters in a scheduled session at Busch Stadium, marking his return path closer to rehab assignments. The Japanese hurler is scheduled to throw 40 pitches in a simulated environment on Sunday as the Dodgers eye his return early in September.
After Friday's fruitful session under the supervision of pitching coach Mark Prior, Yamamoto told reporters about his progress.
"I did accomplish what I came for, which is basically throwing a live BP here, and I think that was good," Yamamoto said via an interpreter.
"My goal is still getting back to where I was throwing in the actual game, but I think that's good," he added. "I think there will be a lot of things to check, so I'm going to take it one step at a time. I'm going to practice more, including the details of the technique."
The bullpen plan was in accordance with an update shared earlier by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who said Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be in St. Louis to throw a 25-pitch bullpen session.
What's the recovery step ahead for Yoshinobu Yamamoto?
Sharing insights on his recovery step ahead, Yoshinobu Yamamoto said there will be two more bullpen sessions scheduled for him. The plan is to get him ramped up in a simulated setting before assigning him to rehab games in minors. On Friday, he threw one inning. On Sunday, he may be in for more.
"After that, I think I'm going to talk to coaches and staff, and then we're going to make a decision when I actually go out and throw an actual game," Yamamoto said.
Yamamoto has been sidelined since mid-June after last pitching on June 15, where he was taken off after just 2.0 innings. He suffered a strain in his rotator cuff and after initially being placed on a 15-day injured list, he was transferred to a 60-day injured list on July 13.
With the Dodgers in a tight race with the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks for the division lead, any return of a starting pitcher is encouraged. More so, an early September return for Yamamoto will ensure he gets enough time to build up before the eventual postseason in October.