Dodgers manager Dave Roberts put a quick stop to any speculation about Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the mound in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. The right-hander will not pitch, Roberts told Dodgers insider Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. No reason given. Just a straightforward no.
That cuts off what would have been one of the more interesting subplots in Philadelphia this week. Yamamoto has been quietly dominant since returning from the injured list. His July 4 start against the Padres was a reminder of why Los Angeles handed him that massive contract. Seven innings. Ten strikeouts. Three hits allowed. The kind of line that makes you wonder what the ceiling actually is.
Teammate Mookie Betts went deep on Yamamoto’s consistency during an episode of his “On Base” podcast.
“What he did in the postseason and then to now come around and do what he’s doing now. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody stay healthy and be as good for this long,” Betts said.
That quote lands a little differently now with Yamamoto sitting out the All-Star Game. Roberts didn’t elaborate on the decision. Could be workload management. Could be a nagging thing the team doesn’t want to publicize. Either way, the Dodgers aren’t taking any chances with a pitcher they’re counting on for October.
No Dodgers Arm on the Mound Tuesday
The NL rotation now has zero Dodgers representation. That’s a little surprising given how many L.A. players are in the game. But the league still has options.
Jhoan Duran will throw in front of his home crowd as a first-time All-Star. Cristopher Sanchez of the Phillies is another name on the list. The most experienced option might be Chris Sale. The Braves lefty is making his 10th All-Star appearance. That veteran presence could be what the NL leans on with Yamamoto out.
Fans who bought tickets hoping to see Yamamoto’s splitter and curveball in a high-leverage All-Star setting? Yeah, they’re going to be disappointed. But the Dodgers have bigger priorities. And they’re not shy about acting on them.
Leave a Comment