The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for the return of their star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto after he has been sidelined since June with a strained rotator cuff. Yamamoto, who signed a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million deal in the offseason, is set to make his return on September 10 against the Chicago Cubs. Despite only completing two innings in each of his rehab starts, the Dodgers are eager to have him back in the rotation to increase his endurance in time for the playoffs.
Yamamoto’s return is much anticipated, especially considering the Dodgers’ rotation has been plagued by injuries, including the absence of another high-profile acquisition, Tyler Glasnow. With uncertainties surrounding the performance of other pitchers like Jack Flaherty and Clayton Kershaw, there are open auditions for pitchers like Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller to step up and secure their spot in the postseason roster.
While there are still many unanswered questions, the Dodgers are hopeful that Yamamoto will showcase the same brilliance on the mound that earned him his massive contract in the offseason. With Yamamoto’s return and the potential comeback of Glasnow, the Dodgers are looking to solidify their rotation heading into the playoffs.
Despite the challenges faced by the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season, Manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about the team’s performance in the coming weeks. The return of Yamamoto and the potential comeback of key pitchers like Glasnow could provide the boost needed for the Dodgers as they aim to make a deep postseason run.
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