DODGERS NEWS: YOSHINOBU YAMAMOTO'S SHOULDER INJURY UPDATE

The Los Angeles Dodgers have received some encouraging news regarding pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has been sidelined with a right rotator cuff strain for over two weeks. Yamamoto, who had been a key player in the Dodgers' rotation, is currently pain-free, according to the latest evaluations.

Yamamoto had a slow start adjusting to Major League Baseball but eventually found his stride, contributing significantly to the team's success this season. Despite the severity of his injury, the Dodgers have not ruled out his return this year.

In June, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that while Yamamoto was recovering well, he had not yet begun his throwing program. The team continues to monitor his progress closely, with daily evaluations by the medical staff.

“I think right now he’s pain-free, so that’s a good thing,” Roberts said. “Granted, he’s not throwing a baseball. Our hope is that he starts playing catch soon. The No. 1 thing is that he’s pain-free, which is where I think he’s at right now,”

“I don’t know,” Roberts said. “I just talked to him briefly in the training room, he’s getting worked on. He’s doing a lot of shoulder exercises and non-throwing stuff. I don’t know when that time he’s going to pick up a baseball is.”

Currently, Yamamoto is focusing on shoulder exercises and other non-throwing activities. The timeline for when he will start throwing again remains uncertain. His return to the mound will depend on how he feels as he progresses through his rehabilitation.

The Dodgers had hoped for a strong season from Bobby Miller, but his performance has been inconsistent since coming off the injured list. With Miller struggling, Yamamoto's absence adds pressure to the rotation, which relies heavily on Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone.

Related: Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Named National League All-Star Starter, Others Fall Short

The Dodgers are prioritizing Yamamoto's long-term health, aiming to have him available for the crucial final stretch of the season. Once cleared for baseball activities, Yamamoto will follow a standard rehab process, starting with playing catch and gradually building up to bullpen sessions.

Until Yamamoto returns, the Dodgers will have to manage without his impressive stats, including a 2.92 ERA, 2.66 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings over 74 innings pitched. His absence will be felt, but the team remains hopeful for his recovery and eventual return to the lineup.

2024-07-04T14:55:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd